Bitcoin Magazine

Pakistan Built Its Crypto Regulatory Regime Using Just 8% of Its Budget, Minister Bilal Bin Saqib Reveals at Bitcoin Asia

Pakistan has launched its virtual asset regulatory regime in less than six months while using just 8% of the budget allocated to build it, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, the country’s Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA).

Speaking at Bitcoin Asia in Hong Kong on August 28, Saqib said approximately $200,000 was used to build and operationalize the new regulatory framework, leaving roughly 92% of the approved budget unspent.

“We used only 8% of our approved budget to get this done,” Saqib announced. “Government should not measure success by how much money it spends. It should measure success by how much it delivers.”

Pakistan moved from primary legislation to notified regulations and a live licensing regime in under six months, establishing a formal pathway for companies operating in the digital asset sector.

The framework covers activities including exchanges, custody, brokerage, asset management, lending and settlement, while introducing requirements around governance, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, customer asset safeguarding, cybersecurity and market conduct.

For Pakistan, the regulatory rollout represents a significant shift toward bringing Bitcoin and digital asset activity into the formal financial system and providing companies with a defined framework for operating in the country.

Rethinking How Governments Build

Saqib framed the PVARA rollout as more than a regulatory achievement, arguing that it demonstrates how governments can operate differently in an environment where technology is developing rapidly.

Rather than building a large bureaucracy, the authority focused on smaller teams, technology-driven workflows and delivering a functioning regulatory framework.

“Technology is moving at machine speed. Government has to learn how to move much faster without compromising structure, accountability or consumer protection,” Saqib stated.

Saqib argued that governments need to balance speed with institutional credibility as emerging technologies continue to develop.

“Speed without structure can be dangerous. But structure without speed can become irrelevant.”

The approach reflects a broader vision for how Pakistan intends to compete in financial technology. Rather than simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere, the country is positioning itself to participate in the development of new financial infrastructure.

Beyond Crypto: The Agentic Economy

Saqib said Pakistan’s regulatory ambitions extend beyond today’s digital asset market.

The country is looking toward an economy increasingly shaped by tokenized markets, programmable payments, stablecoins, machine-to-machine commerce and artificial intelligence agents.

AI agents could eventually transact on behalf of individuals, companies and other machines, creating new questions around financial authority, identity, compliance and consumer protection.

Among the questions governments may need to address are who is responsible when an AI agent executes a financial transaction, how delegated authority should work and how anti-money laundering controls can function when machines transact directly with one another.

“Today we are regulating virtual asset service providers,” Saqib stated. “Tomorrow we will need regulation around agentic payments and the agentic economy.”

Saqib described the country’s virtual asset framework as an initial building block for this broader financial system.

Pakistan Wants to Build at the Frontier

The strategy represents an attempt to compress the traditional timeline for emerging markets, which often adopt financial and technological innovations after they have already matured in larger economies.

“Emerging markets do not have to spend the next decade catching up. We can build at the frontier,” Saqib said.

With a population of more than 240 million, Pakistan represents a potentially significant market for emerging financial technologies.

For PVARA, the immediate test will be whether the new regulatory regime can attract legitimate digital asset businesses while maintaining the consumer protections and oversight built into the framework.

But Saqib’s vision extends beyond regulation itself.

Pakistan’s rapid transition from legislation to live licensing — accomplished with only 8% of its approved budget — is being presented as a model for how governments can approach the next generation of financial infrastructure.

The country now wants to apply that same philosophy to an economy where digital assets, artificial intelligence and programmable finance increasingly converge.

You can watch Saqib’s full appearance at Bitcoin Asia 2026 below.

This post Pakistan Built Its Crypto Regulatory Regime Using Just 8% of Its Budget, Minister Bilal Bin Saqib Reveals at Bitcoin Asia first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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The Core Issue: Keeping Bitcoin Core Secure

Bitcoin Core functions as the backbone for a monetary network securing over two trillion dollars in value. The stakes are immense, and large portions of the codebase can harbor high impact bugs. The consensus engine, peer-to-peer (p2p) message processing code, and cryptographic libraries are areas where vulnerabilities could enable theft, grind the network to a halt, or fundamentally undermine trust in the system. Unlike traditional financial software backed by insurance and legal remedies, Bitcoin’s security relies entirely on the quality of its code and the processes that maintain that quality.

The approach to security in Bitcoin Core is not formally defined, but rather an evolving set of practices that have improved over time. Review processes have become more thorough, testing infrastructure has been expanded significantly, and the project as a whole has become more conservative and deliberate about changes to the software. This slower pace is itself a security measure, reducing the risk of introducing new bugs through hasty modifications.

This piece examines several key aspects of how Bitcoin Core approaches security: 

• the disclosure policy for handling discovered vulnerabilities 
• the extensive fuzzing infrastructure that hunts for bugs
• the broader testing toolkit that catches issues before they reach production 

These practices work together, though not as a grand unified strategy, but as complementary layers of defense that have developed as the project has matured.

Vulnerability Disclosure Process

Bitcoin Core as a software project provides no automatic update functionality for the software it ships, as a protective measure for its users against its developers, and all released binaries can be verified to match the published source code through reproducible builds. Node runners are responsible for deciding which version of the software to run and when to upgrade. In the context of security vulnerabilities, this presents a serious dilemma. Fixes need to be open source for the review process before a release can be made, yet full disclosure must be delayed to allow users reasonable time to update, given that once a vulnerability’s details are published, attackers can exploit it.

Historically, the project’s public disclosure of security-critical vulnerabilities, whether reported externally or discovered by contributors, has been inadequate. This led to a situation where many users perceived Bitcoin Core as never having bugs, a dangerous and inaccurate perception to have. Roughly a year and a half ago, motivated by these issues, the project revised and formalized its handling of security issues into a comprehensive disclosure policy and advisory process. The goals were to provide more transparency, set clear expectations for security researchers (providing them with an incentive to find and responsibly disclose vulnerabilities), better communicate the risks of running outdated versions, and make security bugs available to the wider group of contributors after disclosure to help learn from and prevent future ones.

Policy

All vulnerabilities should be reported to security@bitcoincore.org (see SECURITY.md for details). When reported, a vulnerability will be assigned a severity category. We differentiate between 4 classes of vulnerabilities:

Critical: Bugs that threaten the fundamental security and integrity of the entire Bitcoin network. These are bugs that allow for coin theft at the protocol level, the creation of coins outside of the specified issuance schedule, or permanent, network-wide chain splits.

High: Bugs with a significant impact on affected nodes or the network. These are typically exploitable remotely under default configurations and can cause widespread disruption.

Medium: Bugs that can noticeably degrade the network’s or a node’s performance or functionality, but are limited in their scope or exploitability. These might require special conditions to trigger, such as non-default settings, or result in service degradation rather than a complete node failure.

Low: Bugs that are challenging to exploit or have a minor impact on a node’s operation. They might only be triggerable under non-default configurations or from the local network, and do not pose an immediate or widespread threat.

Low severity vulnerabilities will be disclosed 2 weeks after the release of a major version containing the fix. Medium and High severity vulnerabilities will be disclosed 2 weeks after the last affected release goes End of Life (approximately a year after a major version containing the fix was first released).

A pre-announcement will be made two weeks prior to releasing the details of a vulnerability. This pre-announcement will coincide with the release of a new major version and contain the number of fixed vulnerabilities and their severity levels.

Critical bugs are not considered in the standard policy, as they would most likely require an ad-hoc procedure. Also, a bug may not be considered a vulnerability at all. Any reported issue may also be considered serious, yet not require embargo.

When a vulnerability is reported to the project, it is first verified and assessed by Bitcoin Core’s “Security Team”, a small group of long-term contributors with a track record of finding or fixing security bugs. The project categorizes vulnerabilities into four severity levels: Critical (threats to network integrity like coin theft or inflation), High (significant impact, remotely exploitable), Medium (performance degradation or limited scope), and Low (difficult to exploit with minor impact). If confirmed as serious, a fix is developed and thoroughly tested in private. The fix is then submitted as a pull request just like any other code change, but the PR description and discussion obfuscate the true nature of the fix. It might be framed as a refactoring, performance improvement, or hardening against potential issues. This allows the fix to go through normal code review while keeping the vulnerability details private.

This approach involves real tradeoffs, and it is a genuinely difficult balancing act to maintain. Critics might argue it’s paternalistic or that it concentrates too much power in the hands of a few developers who know about vulnerabilities before the public. These concerns deserve serious consideration, but the alternative of immediate public disclosure could be catastrophic. Publishing vulnerability details before most users have updated essentially provides attackers with both the target list (unupdated nodes) and the weapon (exploit code).

Fuzzing Infrastructure

Fuzzing is a testing technique that feeds randomized, malformed, or unexpected inputs to software to find bugs. Basically, continuously generate and mutate test cases automatically, feed them to the program, and watch for unexpected behavior such as crashes, hangs, logic bugs, etc.. Modern fuzzers use evolutionary algorithms to learn which inputs trigger interesting code paths, then mutate those inputs to explore deeper into the program. It’s an effective way to find edge case bugs that would be nearly impossible to discover through manual testing or code review at the same rate.

Because the fuzzer provides the inputs for this testing, the developer can’t directly assert expected outcomes (e.g., input A must yield output B). Instead, they make assertions about general properties the software should maintain. This is extremely valuable, as it allows us to build broader confidence in the desired behavior by testing properties such as preventing the node from crashing or ensuring the coin supply never inflates beyond what is expected.

Due to the critical need for correctness, robustness, and security, Bitcoin Core extensively utilizes fuzzing with various approaches. Throughout Bitcoin Core’s history, fuzz testing efforts have been ramping up. The earliest mentions of very primitive fuzzing date all the way back to 2012 and the integration of a simple fuzzing framework occurred in 2016, which evolved into today’s comprehensive framework with over 200 individual fuzz tests, covering critical individual components and functions of the codebase.

Unlike standard unit tests, fuzz tests do not have a defined “pass” point, i.e. you don’t run them once and get a “passed” or “failed” status in return. Because fuzzing is an ongoing random process, any statements about the results (when no flaws are found) can only be probabilistic. A fuzz test may run for 5000 hours without finding a bug, yet the next 5000 hours might uncover one. Consequently, to be effective, fuzz tests must be executed continuously. While Bitcoin Core leans on Google’s oss-fuzz infrastructure to run its fuzz tests, it also heavily invests in building out its own, with several contributors continuously fuzzing with their own setups. As an example, Brink’s infrastructure alone provides more than 1 million CPU hours per year to fuzzing Bitcoin Core.

While the Bitcoin Core repository has numerous fuzz tests at the component/function level, several external projects employ distinct fuzzing strategies. Cryptofuzz, now retired, focused on differentially fuzzing libsecp256k1 and other cryptographic code. For non-cryptographic code, such as serialization primitives, consensus logic, and wallet descriptor parsing, the project bitcoinfuzz uses a Bitcoin-specific differential fuzzing approach. A full-system fuzzing methodology to uncover bugs at the system level is also being developed with Fuzzamoto, mainly aimed at finding bugs arising from complicated interactions between different parts of the codebase interacting as a complete system. 

Hundreds, if not thousands, of bugs have been found by fuzzing in released Bitcoin Core versions or pull requests throughout the years (obviously not all of them security relevant), highlighting the effectiveness and importance of fuzzing. A recently published high severity example is CVE-2024-35202, a remotely reachable crash bug found through fuzzing that could have enabled an attacker to crash all publicly reachable nodes. The discovery involved refactoring the compact block relay logic, extracting it into its own isolated and testable module and writing a fuzz test for it.

Quality Assurance

While fuzzing is highlighted above, the project employs various additional testing methodologies on a day-to-day basis, to further minimize the risk of issues reaching production code.

Bitcoin Core has hundreds of unit tests. These tests are designed to verify the expected behavior of small, isolated pieces of code, such as individual functions or classes. For instance, unit tests are used to verify the behavior of the proof-of-work verification function. These tests involve providing edge-case inputs to the function and testing whether the resulting outputs meet expectations.

Functional tests on the other hand test one or more Bitcoin Core instances as a whole, verifying behavior at a higher system level, by using the external interfaces of the software (e.g. RPCs, p2p messages) to simulate potential real world scenarios. Such a test could for example, spin up a small network of nodes, submit a transaction to one of them (e.g. using the wallet RPCs) and then verify whether or not all nodes in the test eventually observe and accept the transaction. Bitcoin Core historically lacked significant code modularity, a characteristic that persists in several areas. Consequently, the project has leaned more on a functional testing approach than a unit testing one, as it often requires refactoring code in advance to isolate the target code for testing independently.

Each testing methodology has its strengths and weaknesses. Unit tests are often fast to execute and are good at pin pointing where a bug is located, as their scope is small and well defined. However, by definition, they won’t detect bugs that only manifest from the interaction of multiple units. This is where the functional tests shine as they put the full system under test, which comes at the cost of execution speed, as they have to set up and tear down node instances on each test run. They are also much worse at indicating to the developer where a bug is located. Looking at the example above, if the transaction propagation test fails (i.e. the transaction did not propagate to all nodes), it is harder to tell which components of the system are buggy. It could be a bug in the mempool acceptance logic, the networking code, the RPCs used to create the transaction or any of the other components involved. No single method is the best, it is the combination of all methodologies that forges a piece of software with the highest likelihood of functioning correctly.

All tests are run within the CI on every PR and every push to the master branch. All unit, functional and fuzz tests (running previously generated inputs) are run across a matrix of different host operating systems, CPU architectures and various bug detection mechanisms, such as the sanitizers (Address, Thread, Undefined, Memory) and valgrind to catch common C++ bug classes relating to memory safety and undefined behavior.

Bitcoin Core incrementally evolved from the original client Satoshi released, with contributors coming and going as time went on, and as such contains a lot of legacy code. Refactoring existing code, to simplify and isolate it, has been and still is a large part of the work being done in the project. Whether it is the Kernel, a new p2p feature, performance improvements or preparation for putting more tests into place, all of it requires refactoring. Opinions on when and how to refactor are however divided, as it can be a double edged sword. While refactoring refreshes context for those involved, uncovers bugs and usually enables more testing, it can also be scary to touch code that no one understands anymore and may also lead to new bugs being introduced. Both the functional tests and other testing strategies at the system level (such as Fuzzamoto mentioned above in the fuzzing section) are ways to derisk refactoring efforts, as tests at that layer require little to no refactoring upfront.

Prior to major releases, as an additional testing strategy, the project produces a testing guide for users, developers and the community as a whole to manually test established and new features. Testing the software with typical usage is usually encouraged, as a call to action, to verify that individual users’ normal workflows remain functional.

Don’t miss your chance to own The Core Issue — featuring articles written by many Core Developers explaining the projects they work on themselves!

This piece is the Letter from the Editor featured in the latest Print edition of Bitcoin Magazine, The Core Issue. We’re sharing it here as an early look at the ideas explored throughout the full issue.

This post The Core Issue: Keeping Bitcoin Core Secure first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Niklas Gögge.

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Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) Completes Acquisition of BTC Inc. and UTXO Management

Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) announced today that it has completed its acquisitions of BTC Inc. and UTXO Management GP, LLC (“UTXO”), finalizing merger agreements previously announced earlier this month.

The transaction was structured entirely through the issuance of Nakamoto common stock. BTC Inc. and UTXO securityholders received 364,795,104 shares of Nakamoto stock, at a combined value of $81,632,852 based on Nakamoto’s closing price on February 19, 2026, of $0.248. In a form 8-K filing yesterday, Nakamoto disclosed that the two businesses reported a combined revenue of $80.5 million, $34.2 million in EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization), and $40.1 million in net income for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2025.

The deal followed the terms of Nakamoto’s call option under its Marketing Services Agreement, which was previously approved by shareholders.

BTC Inc. is a global Bitcoin media company that produces Bitcoin Magazine, one of the longest-running publications covering the cryptocurrency industry. 

The company also organizes The Bitcoin Conference, a series of events held across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, which attracted over 67,000 attendees in 2025. BTC Inc. also operates Bitcoin for Corporations, a membership platform for companies using Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

UTXO Management serves as an adviser to a hedge fund focused on Bitcoin and related investments. Its team allocates capital across public and private markets in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

The firm’s integration into Nakamoto expands the company’s investment and advisory capabilities.

Nakamoto: A portfolio of bitcoin adjacent companies 

David Bailey, Chairman and CEO of Nakamoto Inc., said earlier this week that the “acquisition aligns with our plan to operate a portfolio of companies across media, asset management, and advisory services. BTC Inc. and UTXO provide recurring earnings and institutional capabilities that support our growth strategy.”

Brandon Green, CEO of BTC Inc., added, “Joining Nakamoto allows us to scale our media and event platforms and extend our reach to a wider audience of companies and investors in Bitcoin.”

Tyler Evans, Chief Investment Officer of Nakamoto and UTXO, said the combination provides an opportunity to reinforce Bitcoin’s role in modern capital markets and to develop new investment strategies.

With the acquisition complete, Nakamoto now operates a diversified portfolio of Bitcoin-native enterprises spanning media, events, asset management, and advisory services. 

The company intends to use the combined platform for future strategic initiatives, including additional Bitcoin accumulation and potential acquisitions.

Bitcoin Magazine is published by BTC Inc, a subsidiary of Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA)

This post Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) Completes Acquisition of BTC Inc. and UTXO Management first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik and Micah Zimmerman.

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Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) to Acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management

Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) announced today that it has entered into merger agreements to acquire BTC Inc, the leading provider of Bitcoin-related media and events, and UTXO Management GP, LLC (“UTXO”), an investment firm focused on private and public Bitcoin companies (collectively, the “Transaction”).

The Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter this year, subject to customary closing conditions, and will be financed entirely with Nakamoto common stock in accordance with Nakamoto’s call option under the Marketing Services Agreement (the “MSA”), using a price of $1.12 per share. The Company’s option to acquire BTC Inc and UTXO, through BTC Inc’s call option with UTXO, was previously disclosed as part of Nakamoto’s proposed merger with Nakamoto Holdings, Inc. (“Nakamoto Holdings”).

The MSA, outlines the terms of the Company’s option and was publicly filed and approved by the Company’s shareholders in connection with that transaction. Following shareholder approval, Nakamoto, BTC Inc, and UTXO engaged in extensive joint marketing initiatives across BTC Inc’s media and events platforms. Nakamoto exercised its call option with BTC Inc and BTC Inc exercised its call option with UTXO concurrently with signing of the merger agreements.

The Transaction is intended to further establish Nakamoto as a diversified Bitcoin operating company with a global brand, established distribution networks, and institutional capabilities across media, asset management, and advisory services. BTC Inc and UTXO are expected to provide recurring earnings to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and support growth initiatives, including additional Bitcoin accumulation and strategic acquisitions.

“Bringing BTC Inc and UTXO into Nakamoto has been a part of our vision since day one,” said David Bailey, Chairman and CEO of Nakamoto. “We intend to operate a portfolio of companies across media, asset management, and advisory services that can scale with Bitcoin’s long-term growth. BTC Inc and UTXO are global leaders in Bitcoin media and asset management. This transaction signifies the first step of the company we intend to build, and we’re just getting started.”

The Transaction will be financed entirely with Nakamoto common stock in accordance with Nakamoto’s call option under the MSA, using a price of $1.12 per share. BTC Inc and UTXO securityholders will receive, on a fully diluted basis, 363,589,816 shares of Nakamoto common stock, subject to customary purchase price adjustments at closing, The combined value of this consideration is $107,295,354, before any such customary purchase price adjustments, which is based on Nakamoto’s closing price on February 13, 2026, of $0.2951.

BTC Inc: The Global Leader in Bitcoin Media and Events

BTC Inc is the one of the largest Bitcoin media companies in the world, based on event attendance, online audience, and brand portfolio. Its holdings include 27 media brands, reaching approximately 6 million people globally through its aggregated social media followers. 

BTC Inc organizes The Bitcoin Conference, the largest Bitcoin event series in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, which hosted more than 67,000 attendees in 2025. 

BTC Inc is also the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine, which was first published in May 2012, establishing the publication as the longest-running source of Bitcoin news, information, and expert commentary. 

BTC Inc also operates Bitcoin for Corporations, a membership-based platform for companies adopting Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset, which currently hosts over 40 member companies and has a 5-year brand partnership with Strategy Inc. for hosting networking events and educational content.

“For more than a decade, BTC Inc has focused on informing, convening, and advancing the global Bitcoin community,” said Brandon Green, Chief Executive Officer of BTC. “Combining with Nakamoto represents a significant opportunity to scale our reach, deepen engagement, and support the next phase of Bitcoin’s growth across enterprises and investors.”

UTXO: Investing in Bitcoin Acceleration

UTXO is the adviser to 210k Capital, LP, a hedge fund focused on Bitcoin, Bitcoin-related securities, and derivatives. The investment team leverages extensive experience in the Bitcoin ecosystem to allocate capital across public and private market opportunities.

“UTXO was founded to back the builders and companies shaping the Bitcoin economy,” said Tyler Evans, Chief Investment Officer of Nakamoto and Chief Investment Officer of UTXO. “Leveraging Nakamoto’s public platform and robust treasury, we see a powerful opportunity to compound value across the Bitcoin ecosystem and reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a foundational asset in modern capital markets.”

About Nakamoto Inc.

Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) is a Bitcoin company that owns and operates a global portfolio of Bitcoin- native enterprises spanning media and information, asset management, and advisory services. For more information, please visit nakamoto.com.

Bitcoin Magazine is published by BTC Inc. BTC Inc. has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA); the transaction has not yet closed.

This post Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) to Acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik and Micah Zimmerman.

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Warsaw Stock Exchange Debuts Bitcoin BETA ETF, Expanding Crypto Market Access

The Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW) has officially listed the Bitcoin BETA ETF, giving investors in Poland their first opportunity to gain exposure to bitcoin through a regulated exchange-traded fund.

The newly listed ETF, managed by AgioFunds TFI SA, is designed to provide exposure to bitcoin through futures contracts listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Importantly, the fund incorporates a foreign exchange (FX) risk hedging strategy, aiming to reduce investors’ exposure to fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Polish zloty. This makes it the first ETF on GPW to offer cryptocurrency exposure while managing currency volatility.

“GPW addresses investors’ expectations and follows the trend of diversifying asset classes available on the public market,” said Michał Kobza, Member of the Management Board of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. “Equally important, offering exposure to bitcoin through an ETF listed on GPW increases safety of trading as investors can participate in the cryptocurrency market using an instrument which is supervised, cleared, and subject to the transparency standards applicable to a regulated capital market.”

The ETF prospectus was approved by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) on June 17, 2025. The approval granted AgioFunds TFI permission to issue both Series A and B investment certificates. To ensure liquidity, Dom Maklerski Banku Ochrony Środowiska S.A. has been designated as the market maker.

“Less than a month after our most recent new listing, we are introducing another ETF offering exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency in a regulated and effective manner,” stated Kazimierz Szpak, CEO of BETA TFI SA and BETA ETF Asset Manager at AgioFunds TFI SA. “The ETF is our response to the growing demand from investors for new asset classes. I believe that the Bitcoin BETA ETF will meet market expectations and will be welcomed by investors.”

The launch of the Bitcoin BETA ETF brings the total number of ETFs listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange to sixteen. These include funds tracking Polish indices such as WIG20, mWIG40, and sWIG80, as well as international benchmarks like the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, and DAX. The exchange also offers sector ETFs, leveraged ETFs, and inverse ETFs.

ETF adoption in Poland has been growing rapidly. According to GPW data, turnover in ETFs has reached PLN 1.9 billion year-to-date, representing a 94.2% increase compared to the same period last year.

By listing its first Bitcoin ETF, GPW joins global capital markets that have already embraced Bitcoin-based products. The listing reflects rising demand from institutional and retail investors seeking regulated pathways to access bitcoin as an asset class, while also strengthening Poland’s position in the rapidly evolving ETF landscape.

This post Warsaw Stock Exchange Debuts Bitcoin BETA ETF, Expanding Crypto Market Access first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points; Bitcoin Climbs Above $116,000

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday, lowering its benchmark federal funds rate to a target range of 4.00% to 4.25%. The move, widely anticipated by markets, marks the central bank’s first rate reduction in years and reflects growing concern over slowing job growth and heightened downside risks to the U.S. economy.

In its statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) noted that “recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year. Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remains low. Inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated.”

The Fed emphasized its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices but acknowledged that “uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated” and that “downside risks to employment have risen.”

The decision to cut rates by 25 basis points was backed by 11 committee members, including Chair Jerome Powell. One dissent came from Stephen I. Miran, who argued for a larger 50-basis-point reduction.

Bitcoin Reacts to the Fed Cut

Following the announcement, Bitcoin (BTC) rose slightly above $116,000, according to data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro. The move reflects investor sentiment that looser monetary policy could support risk assets, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Market analysts pointed to Bitcoin’s quick reaction as a sign of its growing role as a macro-sensitive asset. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted modest gains, Bitcoin’s price spike underscored how digital assets may benefit disproportionately from expectations of easier financial conditions.

Policy Outlook

The Fed stressed that further adjustments will depend on incoming data. “In considering additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks,” the statement read.

The FOMC also reaffirmed its commitment to quantitative tightening, continuing to reduce its holdings of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed assets.

Looking ahead, traders are now pricing in the possibility of additional cuts if inflation continues to moderate and the labor market weakens further, according to Bloomberg. Powell is expected to expand on the Fed’s outlook in his press conference later today.

With this latest move, the central bank has signaled a cautious pivot toward easing. For Bitcoin, the response suggests that digital assets may be among the early beneficiaries of the Fed’s first steps toward looser policy.

This post Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points; Bitcoin Climbs Above $116,000 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Africa’s Chipper Cash Adopts Lightning at Scale: 50% of Bitcoin Transactions Now Instant and Low-Cost

Chipper Cash, one of Africa’s leading fintech companies, announced today that more than 50% of all Bitcoin transactions on its platform now run over the Lightning Network, marking one of the most significant real-world deployments of Lightning to date.

The company, which serves millions of consumers and businesses across Africa, has been using Lightning through infrastructure provider Voltage to deliver faster, cheaper, and more reliable payments. This achievement well showcases the growing importance of Bitcoin’s Lightning Network as a viable everyday payment rail in markets where legacy systems often struggle.

“Lightning-enabled payments have the potential to empower and accelerate greater, more reliable financial access across Africa,” said Maijid Moujaled, Cofounder and President of Chipper Cash. “Voltage’s reliable infrastructure reduces the complexity of building on Lightning, allowing us to focus on scale. With Voltage, Lightning can truly become the backbone for global, real-time payments by delivering near-instant settlement at low cost for people and businesses that need it most.”

Founded in 2018 as a peer-to-peer remittance platform, Chipper Cash has since evolved into a fully licensed fintech provider, offering cross-border payments, virtual cards in partnership with Visa, stock investing, and stablecoin rails. Lightning has quickly become central to that expansion. What began as a weekend discovery by Moujaled himself has grown into continent-wide adoption, fueled largely by word of mouth.

One Chipper Cash customer described Lightning simply: “It’s like discovering fire,” highlighting the speed and reliability compared to traditional methods.

Across much of Africa, financial infrastructure is plagued by outages and delays, according to the company. Even after years of operation, fiat partners continue to experience downtime. Lightning, in contrast, delivers near-instant, always-on payments. For markets accustomed to unreliable systems, this represents a leap forward in financial accessibility.

Key success metrics from Chipper Cash’s Lightning rollout include:

• Over 50% of Bitcoin transactions are now powered by Lightning.
  
• Adoption fueled organically through customer referrals.
  
• Faster, smoother cross-border and domestic payment experiences.
  
• Stronger resilience compared to fiat rails.
  

The integration also enables interoperability with Strike, Cash App, and other Lightning-powered platforms, broadening Chipper’s reach globally. Recently, the company launched Chessa, enabling remittances via crypto rails with instant settlement into over 25 local fiat currencies. Lightning sits at the core of this offering.

“What Chipper Cash is doing with Lightning proves that emerging markets can leapfrog outdated payment rails,” said Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage. “With Voltage powering certain parts of their infrastructure, they’ve unlocked instant, global, and low-cost payments that work every time, everywhere.”

By integrating Lightning as part of its payments infrastructure, Chipper Cash has positioned itself as a continental leader in Bitcoin adoption. With growing customer demand and support from Voltage, the company is showcasing how African fintechs can leapfrog outdated systems and deliver next-generation financial services today.

This post Africa’s Chipper Cash Adopts Lightning at Scale: 50% of Bitcoin Transactions Now Instant and Low-Cost first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Metaplanet Raises $1.4 Billion to Expand Bitcoin Treasury in Upsized International Share Offering

Metaplanet Inc. (TSE Standard: 3350) has announced the successful pricing and upsizing of its international share offering, raising JPY 205 billion (~USD 1.4 billion) to fuel its ongoing Bitcoin-first treasury strategy.

The company confirmed that 385 million new shares will be issued at JPY 553 per share, generating a total issue price of JPY 212.9 billion. After deducting fees, the total amount paid in will reach JPY 205.3 billion, of which JPY 204.1 billion will be allocated directly to Bitcoin-related initiatives.

In a statement, CEO Simon Gerovich said: “Metaplanet has finalized its international offering, upsized from 180M underwritten to 385M shares. Total raise: JPY 205B (~USD 1.4B). More Bitcoin purchases incoming.”

Expanding the Bitcoin Treasury

According to the release, JPY 183.7 billion of the proceeds will be used to purchase Bitcoin between September and October 2025, significantly increasing Metaplanet’s holdings. As of September 1, 2025, the company already holds 20,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately JPY 322 billion.

Metaplanet first announced its treasury transformation in May 2024, committing to adopt Bitcoin as its primary reserve asset. The move was designed to hedge against Japan’s prolonged negative real interest rates, high national debt, and ongoing yen depreciation.

Income Generation from Bitcoin

The remaining JPY 20.4 billion from the offering will be allocated to the company’s Bitcoin Income Generation Business, which generates yield through Bitcoin options trading. In Q2 FY2025, this segment produced JPY 1.9 billion in revenue, highlighting its role as a complementary revenue driver to Bitcoin accumulation.

Metaplanet stated that these allocations will help the company achieve sustained profitability while strengthening its Bitcoin-focused treasury model.

Strengthening Market Position

The offering also marks a substantial increase in Metaplanet’s capital base, with capital stock and capital surplus each rising by JPY 102.6 billion. Following the issuance, the company’s total outstanding shares will increase from 755.9 million to 1.14 billion shares.

By executing one of the largest Bitcoin-focused capital raises in Asia, Metaplanet positions itself as a leading corporate pioneer in Bitcoin adoption. The firm aims to set an example for other listed companies across Japan and Asia seeking to manage inflation risks and currency devaluation through digital assets.

For those interested in hearing more about Metaplanet, check out the video below where Gerovich explains how the company became the number one traded stock in Japan:

This post Metaplanet Raises $1.4 Billion to Expand Bitcoin Treasury in Upsized International Share Offering first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Cboe, World’s Leading Derivatives Exchange, to Launch Continuous Bitcoin Futures for U.S.-Regulated Market

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world’s leading derivatives and securities exchange network, announced plans to launch Cboe Continuous futures for bitcoin and ether beginning November 10, 2025, pending regulatory review. The new product marks a major expansion of Cboe’s digital asset roadmap, introducing a U.S.-regulated alternative to perpetual-style futures widely traded in offshore markets.

The launch will take place on Cboe Futures Exchange (CFE) and is designed to give traders long-term, simplified access to bitcoin and ether price exposure in a centrally cleared environment.

Unlike traditional futures contracts, which typically expire on a quarterly basis and require rolling, Cboe Continuous futures will be structured as single, long-dated contracts with a 10-year expiration. These contracts will be cash-settled and adjusted daily in line with real-time spot prices of bitcoin and ether, using what the company describes as a transparent and replicable funding rate methodology.

At the HOOD Summit in Las Vegas, Catherine Clay, Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe, highlighted the significance of the new offering:

“Perpetual-style futures have gained strong adoption in offshore markets. Now, Cboe is bringing that same utility to our U.S.-regulated futures exchange and enabling U.S. traders to access these products with confidence in a trusted, transparent and intermediated environment. We expect Continuous futures to appeal to not only institutional market participants and existing CFE customers, but also to a growing segment of retail traders seeking access to crypto derivatives. As we continue to expand CFE’s offerings to serve all types of market participants, these futures are a next step to advancing our product innovation roadmap.”

The launch underscores Cboe’s efforts to diversify its CFE product suite, which currently includes its flagship Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) futures and other products tied to equity volatility, digital assets, and global fixed income.

Cboe confirmed that the new bitcoin and ether Continuous futures will be cleared through Cboe Clear U.S., a CFTC-regulated derivatives clearing organization. This move positions Cboe to scale its global clearing capabilities and strengthen its role in the evolving crypto derivatives market.

As part of its rollout, The Options Institute will host educational sessions on Continuous futures on October 30 and November 20, open to the public. Interested participants can register through Cboe’s website.

With this initiative, Cboe continues to solidify its position at the intersection of digital assets and traditional finance, aiming to create a more robust and regulated ecosystem for institutional and retail traders alike.

This post Cboe, World’s Leading Derivatives Exchange, to Launch Continuous Bitcoin Futures for U.S.-Regulated Market first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Sora Ventures Launches Asia’s First Bitcoin Treasury Fund, Plans to Buy $1 Billion in BTC Within 6 Months

Today, Sora Ventures announced the launch of Asia’s first Bitcoin treasury fund, unveiled during Taipei Blockchain Week. The fund, backed by a $200 million commitment from partners and investors across the region, aims to purchase $1 billion worth of Bitcoin within the next six months, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine.

This new fund follows the individual Bitcoin treasury firms that have emerged across Asia in recent years — including Japan’s Metaplanet (TYO:3350), Hong Kong’s Moon Inc. (HKG:1723), Thailand’s DV8 (SET:DV8), and South Korea’s BitPlanet (KOSDAQ:049470). While those companies hold bitcoin directly on their own balance sheets, the Sora Ventures treasury fund will act as a central pool of institutional capital designed to both support these existing firms and fuel the creation of similar treasuries globally.

By doubling down on Asia’s early Bitcoin treasury pioneers while expanding outward, the fund aims to create synergies between regional and international treasuries, strengthening Bitcoin’s role as a reserve asset across markets. Led by Sora Ventures’ management team, the initiative will also bring in new institutional partners to broaden resources and expand the network of Bitcoin treasury companies operating in Asia.

Luke Liu, Partner at Sora Ventures, emphasized the uniqueness of the initiative, stating, “This is the first time that Asia has seen a commitment of this magnitude toward building a network of Bitcoin treasury firms, with capital commitment towards Asia’s first $1 billion treasury fund.”

Historically, the largest Bitcoin treasury funds and corporate adoption have been concentrated in the U.S. market. Now, Asia is positioning itself as a serious contender for institutional Bitcoin investment. Jason Fang, founder and Managing Partner at Sora Ventures, highlighted the shift: “Asia has been one of the most important markets for the development of blockchain technology and Bitcoin. We have seen a rise in interest from institutions investing in Bitcoin treasuries in the U.S. and EU, while in Asia efforts have been relatively fragmented. This is the first time in history that institutional money has come together, from local to regional, and now to a global stage.”

In 2024, Sora Ventures invested in Metaplanet, Japan’s first Bitcoin treasury, supporting its allocation of ¥1 billion (approximately $6.56 million) to bitcoin. In 2025, the firm acquired Moon Inc. in Hong Kong, DV8 in Thailand, and partnered in acquiring BitPlanet in South Korea — each deal designed to replicate and scale Bitcoin-first treasury models across Asia.

With Asia’s institutional landscape now aligning around Bitcoin adoption, the new $1 billion fund represents a significant step toward mainstream recognition of Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset in global markets.

This post Sora Ventures Launches Asia’s First Bitcoin Treasury Fund, Plans to Buy $1 Billion in BTC Within 6 Months first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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U.S. Bank Resumes Bitcoin Custody Services for Institutional Investors, Adding Support for Bitcoin ETFs

U.S. Bank announced today that it has officially resumed its cryptocurrency custody services for institutional investment managers, reopening a program first introduced in 2021. The service, which is being relaunched as an early access program for Global Fund Services clients, is designed to provide secure safekeeping solutions for bitcoin, with NYDIG serving as the sub-custodian.

The decision comes after years of regulatory uncertainty, with U.S. Bank citing a clearer framework for digital assets as a key factor in relaunching the program. In addition to providing custody for bitcoin directly, the bank has expanded its offering to include custody services for bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Stephen Philipson, vice chair of U.S. Bank Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking, highlighted the bank’s pioneering role in digital finance. “We’re proud that we were one of the first banks to offer cryptocurrency custody for fund and institutional custody clients back in 2021, and we’re excited to resume the service this year. Following greater regulatory clarity, we’ve expanded our offering to include bitcoin ETFs, which allows us to provide full-service solutions for managers seeking custody and administration services.”

NYDIG, a vertically integrated bitcoin financial services and power infrastructure firm, will act as the primary bitcoin sub-custodian for the program. Tejas Shah, CEO of NYDIG, said the partnership underscores the convergence of traditional finance with the digital asset economy. “NYDIG is honored to partner with U.S. Bank as its primary provider for bitcoin custody services. Together, we can bridge the gap between traditional finance and the modern economy by facilitating access for Global Fund Services clients to bitcoin as sound money, delivered with the safety and security expected by regulated financial institutions.”

The relaunch reflects U.S. Bank’s ongoing strategy to expand its digital capabilities for institutional clients. Dominic Venturo, senior executive vice president and chief digital officer, said the initiative positions the bank at the forefront of innovation. “U.S. Bank has been at the forefront of exploring how digital assets can serve our clients. Further expanding our capabilities unlocks new opportunities to deliver innovative solutions to those we serve. U.S. Bank will continue to drive progress and shape the future of what matters for our clients in digital finance.”

U.S. Bank Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking currently manages more than $11.7 trillion in assets under custody and administration as of June 30, 2025. The bank’s services span fund custody, ETF and alternative investment administration, asset management, corporate trust, and wealth management solutions.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank, with approximately 70,000 employees and $686 billion in assets. Recognized for digital innovation and client service, U.S. Bank has also earned recognition as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies and one of Fortune’s most admired superregional banks.

This post U.S. Bank Resumes Bitcoin Custody Services for Institutional Investors, Adding Support for Bitcoin ETFs first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Coinbase to Launch Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures on Sept 22, Featuring Apple, Tesla, and Bitcoin Exposure

Coinbase is taking a bold step into new territory with the announcement of its Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures, set to launch on September 22. The new product marks a historic first in the U.S. derivatives market by offering investors simultaneous exposure to both the “Magnificent 7” tech stocks and leading cryptocurrency ETFs.

“We’re launching the first US futures that give exposure to the top US tech stocks and crypto at the same time,” said Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase. “We’ll launch more products like this as part of the everything exchange. Coming on September 22.”

A First-of-Its-Kind Futures Product

Until now, no U.S.-listed derivative provided exposure to equities and cryptocurrencies in a single contract. Coinbase Derivatives describes the new futures as a “diversified, capital-efficient tool” designed to serve investors seeking innovation-focused, multi-asset products.

The contracts are positioned to address three core needs:

• Thematic Exposure to Innovation & Growth: Capturing the performance of transformative technology leaders and blockchain-native assets.
  
• Diversification in a Unified Product: Providing exposure across asset classes that have traditionally traded separately.
  
• Strategic Risk Management: Offering new ways to hedge portfolios against multi-asset risks.
  

Inside the Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index

The underlying Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index is evenly weighted across ten components:

• Magnificent 7 Stocks: Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), NVIDIA (NVDA), Meta Platforms (META), Tesla (TSLA)
  
• Coinbase (COIN) Stock
  
• Cryptocurrency ETFs: iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA)
  

Each of the 10 assets will carry a 10% weighting, with the index rebalanced quarterly to reflect market changes. MarketVector has been named as the official index provider.

Trading Details

Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures will be monthly, cash-settled contracts. Each contract represents $1 x the Index, meaning that if the Index is priced at $3,000, the notional value of a contract will be $3,000.

Coinbase says further details about trading access on partner platforms will be released soon, with an expansion to retail investors planned in the months ahead.

The move highlights Coinbase’s ongoing effort to expand beyond single-asset offerings into broader, multi-asset derivatives. By bridging equities and digital assets, Coinbase aims to carve out a unique position in the evolving U.S. derivatives market, appealing to investors who increasingly seek products at the intersection of traditional finance and crypto innovation.

This post Coinbase to Launch Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures on Sept 22, Featuring Apple, Tesla, and Bitcoin Exposure first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Historic First: U.S. Government Posts GDP Data on Bitcoin Blockchain

The U.S. government has officially begun publishing gross domestic product (GDP) data on public blockchains. According to Bloomberg, the Commerce Department’s announcement on Thursday brings blockchain into the core of America’s economic reporting, making GDP available on nine networks including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

Commerce officials emphasized that the blockchain rollout is not a replacement for traditional economic data releases, but rather “another avenue” for distribution, according to Bloomberg. The move, however, carries significant symbolic weight, as it effectively places the government’s seal of approval on technology once viewed with deep skepticism in Washington.

“The entire administration has embraced this,” said Mike Cahill, chief executive officer of Douro Labs, who confirmed he has been working with the Commerce Department on the initiative for the past two months. “With today’s announcement we are now in a world where government data lives on blockchains, and market participants can participate in real time.”

The blockchain initiative involves posting cryptographic hashes of GDP data, which serve as digital fingerprints to verify the information’s integrity. While limited in scope initially, Commerce Department officials confirmed that President Donald Trump’s administration intends to expand the program further, Bloomberg reported.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick spearheaded the project, telling Trump earlier this week that statistics would be issued via blockchain “because you are the crypto president.” Lutnick has previously suggested reshaping GDP reporting by removing the impact of government spending.

The initiative reflects a sharp departure from the prior administration. Under former President Joe Biden, regulators adopted a cautious stance toward crypto, often clashing with exchanges and imposing restrictions on digital assets. In contrast, Trump has moved quickly to integrate Bitcoin into government policy. Since taking office, he has created a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, stockpiled coins such as Ether and Solana, signed legislation regulating stablecoins, and appointed crypto-friendly regulators who ended enforcement actions against Coinbase.

Trump’s family has also deepened its presence in the digital asset space, backing ventures such as World Liberty Financial. The industry’s growing political clout is evident: crypto firms donated heavily to Trump’s reelection campaign and contributed over $133 million to super PACs supporting pro-crypto candidates in 2024, according to OpenSecrets.

By leveraging public blockchains, the Commerce Department joins other agencies experimenting with crypto technology. The Department of Homeland Security has considered blockchain for airport passenger screening, while California’s DMV has digitized car titles on crypto, according to Bloomberg.

As Trump positions himself as the “crypto president,” the adoption of blockchain for GDP distribution signals a profound shift in U.S. economic policy—and further cements Bitcoin as a powerful political and financial force in Washington.

This post Historic First: U.S. Government Posts GDP Data on Bitcoin Blockchain first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Bitcoin Price Crashes Below $110,000 After Whale Sold 24,000 BTC

The price of Bitcoin has plunged below $110,000 in the past 24 hours, marking one of its steepest corrections in weeks. According to data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro, the world’s largest cryptocurrency dropped to $108,890 and remains below the $110,000 threshold at the time of writing. The decline represents a sharp sell-off from just last Friday, when Bitcoin traded as high as $117,000, before tumbling to $109,894 over the weekend.

The downward momentum was accelerated by a massive whale sale. Over the weekend, a single Bitcoin holder offloaded 24,000 BTC worth more than $2.7 billion, sparking additional selling pressure and driving the price lower. The large transaction caused heightened volatility and weighed heavily on market sentiment.

Despite the sharp move down, sentiment has not yet tipped fully into fear. The Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index, a widely watched market sentiment tool, currently sits at 48/100, which is categorized as “neutral” but hovers just above “fear.”

The Fear and Greed Index is a tool that helps investors and traders analyze the Bitcoin and Crypto market from a sentiment perspective. It identifies the extent to which the market is becoming overly fearful or overly greedy. Hence why it is called the Fear and Greed Index.

Bitcoin Magazine Pro explains that the Index helps investors separate their emotions from broader market reactions, offering insights into when assets may be overbought or oversold. Scores near zero reflect “extreme fear,” while scores close to 100 represent “extreme greed.” With Bitcoin currently at 48, sentiment is edging toward concern but has not yet fully entered bearish territory.

Meanwhile, underlying network fundamentals remain strong despite price weakness. Bitcoin’s hash rate—a measure of the total computational power securing the network—is approaching a new record high. The current daily value stands at 909,080,589 Th/s, just shy of the all-time high of 1,084,828,947 Th/s set on August 4 when Bitcoin was trading at $115,149.

Long-term holders may find reassurance in historical profitability data. Bitcoin Magazine Pro notes that holding Bitcoin has been profitable for 99.1% of its existence:

• Number of profitable days: 5,437
  
• Total number of days tracked: 5,487
  
• Percent of profitable days: 99.1%
  

While the recent drop below $110,000 has rattled short-term traders, Bitcoin’s track record and network strength suggest resilience. Investors will be closely watching whether the Fear and Greed Index shifts further into fear territory, and if whales continue to unload large holdings, potentially adding more turbulence to the market in the coming days.

This post Bitcoin Price Crashes Below $110,000 After Whale Sold 24,000 BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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KindlyMD & Nakamoto Officially Merge, Plans to Buy One Million BTC

KindlyMD, Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) and Bitcoin-native holding company Nakamoto Holdings Inc. have officially completed their long-anticipated merger, forming a publicly traded Bitcoin treasury vehicle with ambitions to acquire one million BTC. The combined entity will operate under the KindlyMD name, trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market, while Nakamoto will function as a wholly owned subsidiary overseeing the Bitcoin financial services division.

“Our vision is for the world’s capital markets to operate on a Bitcoin standard. Today’s merger represents the beginning of that journey for our company,” said David Bailey, CEO of the combined company. “Since I started my journey in Bitcoin 13 years ago, I’ve always believed Bitcoin would become the most valuable asset in human history, held by every person, company, and government. The securitization of Bitcoin has shown us how institutions will adopt it. We intend to drive that forward.”

Tim Pickett, former KindlyMD CEO and now Chief Medical Officer, added: “We are thrilled to officially close our merger with Nakamoto. We’ve built KindlyMD on operational and innovative excellence, and we are now extending that same principle to our capital strategy. Bitcoin gives us the ability to preserve value with the same integrity we apply to delivering care.”

The transaction generated approximately $540 million in gross proceeds through a private placement in public equity (PIPE) financing, which will be used primarily for Bitcoin purchases. A $200 million convertible note offering is expected to close tomorrow.

Bailey will lead as CEO and Chairman of the Board, with a strengthened leadership team including Amanda Fabiano as COO, Tyler Evans as CIO, and Andrew Creighton as CCO. Newly appointed independent directors include Charles Blackburn, Perianne Boring, Eric Weiss, Greg Xethalis, and Mark Yusko, alongside Pickett.

The merged company’s mission is clear: build a premier, institutional-grade Bitcoin treasury vehicle to drive corporate and government adoption of the asset. By leveraging advanced corporate finance strategies, Nakamoto aims to simplify Bitcoin integration into global capital markets and position itself as a leader in public market Bitcoin treasury management.

Bailey reinforced his commitment on X, stating: “Honored to officially join KindlyMD as CEO and Chairman. Thank you for coming on this journey with me — together we will rebuild the world on the bitcoin standard. One Nakamoto = One million Bitcoin.”

Disclosure: Nakamoto is in partnership with Bitcoin Magazine’s parent company BTC Inc to build the first global network of Bitcoin treasury companies, where BTC Inc provides certain marketing services to Nakamoto. More information on this can be found here. 

This post KindlyMD & Nakamoto Officially Merge, Plans to Buy One Million BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Block Launches Modular Bitcoin Miner And Free, Open Source Mining Software

Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) has unveiled Proto Rig, a first-of-its-kind modular bitcoin mining system, and Proto Fleet, a free and open-source fleet management software platform, marking a bold step toward decentralizing mining hardware, increasing operational efficiency, and boosting Bitcoin network resiliency.

The announcement took place at Core Scientific’s facility in Dalton, GA, where Proto Rigs are already deployed as part of its mining fleet. This launch represents the first two end-to-end releases from Proto, Block’s suite of bitcoin mining products and services, following its initial chip sale to Core Scientific.

Currently, bitcoin mining hardware faces significant inefficiencies. Most machines are single-use, prone to frequent breakdowns, expensive and time-consuming to repair, and difficult to upgrade. These issues lead to wasted power, poor space utilization, and shorter life cycles. On the software side, miners are often forced to piece together multiple tools to manage power scaling, monitoring, and diagnostics — creating a fragmented and costly operational environment.

Proto Rig aims to directly address these challenges by introducing a durable, modular design that transforms a historically disposable 3–5 year asset into a 10-year infrastructure investment. Operators can swap out individual hashboards instead of replacing entire units, cutting upgrade costs by 15–20% per cycle. In addition, tool-free, in-place repairs allow fixes to be completed in seconds rather than hours or days, significantly reducing downtime.

“Mining hardware hasn’t really changed in years,” said Thomas Templeton, Hardware Lead at Block. “Machines break often, are hard to repair, expensive and time-consuming to upgrade, and don’t make the most efficient use of power or space. With Rig, we set out to change all of that–and contribute to hardware decentralization in the process.”

With 1.5x more power per foot of rack space than traditional hardware, Proto Rig was built for compatibility with both modern and legacy infrastructure, to allow seamless integration without costly retrofits.

Alongside the hardware, Proto Fleet aims to deliver a comprehensive, open-source fleet management software that consolidates power-scaling, monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance tools into a single intuitive platform.

“Mining hasn’t really caught up with advances in software more broadly,” Templeton noted. “We saw an opportunity to make mining software something modern that improves operational efficiency instead of unnecessarily complicating things.”

By making Proto Fleet free for anyone to use, Block is leveling the playing field for mining operators of all sizes, ensuring access to high-quality management tools without proprietary lock-ins.

Together, Proto Rig’s repairability, power efficiency, and backwards compatibility, paired with Proto Fleet’s streamlined, open-source software, could help redefine the economics and accessibility of bitcoin mining. This launch further underscores Block’s broader commitment to the Bitcoin ecosystem, alongside its other initiatives through Square, Cash App, Bitkey, and Spiral.

Learn more on Proto’s official website and catch the livestream for all the details.

This post Block Launches Modular Bitcoin Miner And Free, Open Source Mining Software first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Bitcoin Price Breaks $123,000, Bullish Momentum Targets $125,000

Bitcoin’s price climbed above $123,000 today, according to data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro, putting it just shy of breaking its current all-time high of $123,180 set on July 14, 2025. The move comes amid surging institutional interest, record corporate holdings, and growing national-level profits from BTC adoption.

Coinciding with Bitcoin’s rise in price, today marked a major milestone for Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin-heavy firm, Strategy, whose BTC holdings closed at an all-time high valuation of $77.2 billion. Saylor announced on X that this represents a jump of $35.4 billion from the firm’s previous peak of $41.8 billion in 2024. Strategy’s aggressive accumulation strategy has made it one of the largest Bitcoin holders in the world and a key driver in market sentiment.

Meanwhile, El Salvador’s Bitcoin gamble continues to pay off. President Nayib Bukele revealed on X that the nation now sits on an unrealized profit of $468,307,816 from its BTC holdings. After investing $300,548,375 into Bitcoin, the country’s total BTC stash is now valued at $768,856,191. The nation’s Bitcoin Office celebrated the milestone, declaring: “El Salvador’s bitcoin bet is paying off BIG TIME! Our holdings just soared past $770M USD!”

Institutional investment products are also seeing surging activity. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded massive trading volumes today, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, which alone traded over $3.7 billion. Fidelity’s FBTC followed as the second-most traded, logging $530 million in volume—substantial, but still well below IBIT’s dominance.

Some market watchers say the rally could take a brief pause before its next leg higher. “There will be more Bitcoin ATHs but I think we will see a pullback because alts are running too hot now,” said Samson Mow, CEO of Bitcoin technology company Jan3. “Once the altcoin mania passes, Bitcoin will take off. This is just how it’s always been.”

With Bitcoin just a fraction away from setting a fresh record and both institutional and sovereign adoption accelerating, market participants are watching closely for a breakout to the next milestone of $125,000. Whether it happens in hours or days, momentum appears firmly in Bitcoin’s favor—fueled by whale buying, corporate treasuries, and geopolitical endorsements.

This post Bitcoin Price Breaks $123,000, Bullish Momentum Targets $125,000 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Bitcoin Price Surges Near All-Time High, BTC Poised to Break $123,000

Bitcoin surged above $122,000 today, leaving it only about 1% away from setting a new all-time high, according to data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro. The current record of $123,180, set on July 14, 2025, could be broken at any moment given bitcoin’s trademark volatility. With institutional adoption continuing to rise and demand for BTC accelerating, a new record may arrive sooner rather than later.

Adding to this momentum, whale accumulation has hit unprecedented levels. As of yesterday, the number of addresses holding over 100 BTC reached a new all-time high of 18,996, surpassing the previous peak of 18,544 from February 26, 2017. Bitcoin Magazine Pro’s chart shows a steady increase in these large holdings, driven in part by corporate treasuries aggressively adding BTC to their balance sheets. Michael Saylor’s firm Strategy has more than doubled its Bitcoin holdings since Donald Trump’s election victory, boosting its total treasury by 60%. This buying spree comes amid a friendlier regulatory climate under the Trump administration, which has rolled back certain Biden-era enforcement actions and introduced pro-crypto policies.

Macroeconomic conditions are also adding fuel to the bullish fire. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said interest rates are “too constrictive” and should likely be 150-175 basis points lower. Speaking on Bloomberg Surveillance, he stated, “I think we could go into a series of rate cuts here, starting with a 50 basis-point rate cut in September… we should probably be 150, 175 basis points lower.”

President Trump took it a step further today, calling for the Federal Reserve to cut rates by 3 or 4 points, which would bring them to around 1%. “I believe we should be three or four points lower. So that’s over a trillion dollars we pay — every year — in interest. And it’s truly just a paper calculation. You sign a document and you save almost a trillion dollars… But despite that, we’re powering through it and have the greatest economy we’ve ever had,” said Trump.

Meanwhile, Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, reaffirmed her ultra-bullish, long-term outlook. Speaking to CoinDesk, she said, “I think that we can safely say that our bull case is well over a million, well over a million dollars in five years,” citing Bitcoin’s role as the “gateway into digital assets for institutions” and a “substitute for gold as a store of value.”

With institutional inflows, whale accumulation, and potential monetary easing converging, bitcoin could be on the verge of a historic breakout to new all-time highs.

This post Bitcoin Price Surges Near All-Time High, BTC Poised to Break $123,000 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Bitcoin Nears $123K as Whale Addresses Hit All-Time High

Bitcoin is holding strong at around $120,000, sitting less than 3% below its all-time high of $123,180, as whales continue to accumulate large amounts of BTC. According to fresh data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro, the number of addresses holding over 100 BTC has reached a new all-time high of 18,996.

The chart provided by Bitcoin Magazine Pro shows the number of unique addresses holding at least 100 BTC steadily increasing, now surpassing its previous peak of 18,544 made back on February 26, 2017. The data “can be used alongside the other Address Balance charts to understand whether adoption is increasing or decreasing generally for Bitcoin over time, and also whether usage is increasing or decreasing among specific cohorts,” Bitcoin Magazine Pro notes.

This surge in large holdings is being driven in part by corporate treasuries aggressively adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets. Michael Saylor’s firm Strategy has more than doubled its Bitcoin holdings since Donald Trump’s election win, boosting its total treasury by 60%. This accumulation coincides with a regulatory shift under the Trump administration, which has rolled back certain Biden-era enforcement actions and introduced pro-crypto policies, encouraging more institutional adoption.

As a result, over 160 public companies now hold Bitcoin as a primary reserve asset—up from just 43 in 2023. Notable players include David Bailey’s Nakamoto, which is poised to purchase over $760 million worth of BTC once its merger with KindlyMD is complete. And Jack Maller’s Twenty One Capital, which already owns 43,514 BTC, making it the third-largest corporate holder in the world.

A Bitcoin address is a string of 26–35 characters, functioning like a public key that allows users to send and receive BTC. Wallets can hold multiple addresses, and there is no theoretical limit to the amount of Bitcoin a single address can hold. While addresses with small holdings (e.g., 0.1 BTC) are also increasing, the spike in addresses with over 100 BTC highlights growing concentration among high-value holders.

With only 21 million BTC to ever exist—and about 19 million already mined, of which an estimated 3 million are lost—the race to secure large Bitcoin holdings is intensifying. If current trends continue, Bitcoin could surpass its all-time high in the coming days as institutional buying pressure remains relentless.

Disclosure: Nakamoto is in partnership with Bitcoin Magazine’s parent company BTC Inc to build the first global network of Bitcoin treasury companies, where BTC Inc provides certain marketing services to Nakamoto. More information on this can be found here.

This post Bitcoin Nears $123K as Whale Addresses Hit All-Time High first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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First RGB Bridge Brings USDT From Ethereum to Bitcoin via Lightning

Recently, the team behind Tricorn—now joining Utexo—has completed the first-ever RGB bridge live on Bitcoin, debuting with a transfer of Tether (USDT) from Ethereum to RGB, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. This marks the first time USDT has been issued as an RGB asset on Bitcoin and made available for instant settlement over RGB Lightning.

“This milestone enables Bitcoin to capture stablecoin flows while preserving privacy, self-custody, and the immutability of settlement on Bitcoin,” the announcement stated. “Fees are low, settlement is fast, and the design is peer-to-peer.”

The Ethereum-to-RGB bridge allows stablecoins and other digital assets to move into Bitcoin’s ecosystem via RGB. Once bridged, assets operate as RGB tokens that can settle directly on-chain or move instantly using RGB Lightning. This innovation aims to bring high-volume, stable liquidity to Bitcoin without reliance on custodians or intermediaries.

LNFI has already announced plans to leverage this bridge to move USDT from Ethereum onto RGB Lightning. “As our strategic partner, LNFI is focused on unlocking multi-asset decentralized finance on RGB Lightning and will securely bridge USDT from supported blockchains to RGB mainnet via Tricorn,” the release stated. LNFI will use the bridged USDT as a Lightning Service Provider (LSP) on Astra Labs, enabling “instant, private, cheap, trust-minimized stablecoin swaps between supported blockchains and the RGB Lightning Network.”

The integration paves the way for advanced DeFi, payments, and trading use cases by enabling fluid asset movement between EVM blockchains, RGB, and RGB Lightning. Notably, this launch brings wrapped USDT liquidity to Bitcoin ahead of Tether’s official RGB issuance.

RGB’s architecture is designed to focus on privacy and sovereignty—using client-side validation with Bitcoin as the settlement anchor. Assets remain under user control and private by default, without requiring federations, validators, or coordinators, according to the release.

Developers can integrate the RGB bridge into wallets, marketplaces, and other protocols, allowing users to bridge, hold, and transact assets like USDT on Bitcoin efficiently and privately.

The engineering team behind Tricorn is now part of Utexo, which is developing an interface for private Bitcoin DeFi using RGB. Utexo says it will soon offer simple tools to swap, transfer, and manage bridged assets, making this technology accessible to a wider audience.

The Ethereum-to-RGB bridge is live today for developers and the closer community, with additional networks to be added soon and broader public access through Utexo on the horizon.

This post First RGB Bridge Brings USDT From Ethereum to Bitcoin via Lightning first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Soars Above $120K as Nakamoto Prepares $760 Million BTC Buy Post-Merger

The price of Bitcoin went above $122,286 today as a massive new buyer nears entering the market. All eyes are on Nakamoto Holdings Inc., the Bitcoin-native holding company set to complete its long-anticipated merger with healthcare provider KindlyMD (NASDAQ: NAKA). Once the merger is complete, Nakamoto will be cleared to begin purchasing bitcoin with over $760 million in capital.

The companies confirmed on July 22 that they have filed a definitive information statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, marking the final step before closing. “Filing the definitive information statement is a critical milestone for this merger and accelerates our mission of acquiring one million Bitcoin,” said David Bailey, Founder and CEO of Nakamoto. “I’m very proud of the teams’ collaboration at Nakamoto and KindlyMD to get us one step closer to closing the merger.”

“We are proud to reach this important milestone alongside Nakamoto,” added Tim Pickett, Founder and CEO of KindlyMD. “Our shareholders now have the opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking shift in how public companies approach treasury management, with Bitcoin at the center.”

Once finalized, the merger will allow Nakamoto to aggressively pursue its bitcoin acquisition strategy. The company made its first move earlier this year when KindlyMD purchased 21 BTC for $2.3 million. “A symbolic number to start the $NAKA mission,” Nakamoto posted on X. Pickett expanded on this purchase during the company’s Q2 earnings report, stating: “During the quarter we received approximately $9.2 million in proceeds from warrants exercises, which allowed us to make an initial purchase of 21 BTC valued at $2.25 million as of June 30, 2025.”

“We have a one-of-a-kind strategy at Nakamoto, once you see it in action you’ll understand why we’ll be one of the top holders of Bitcoin in the world,” Bailey said today. “We’re building a Bitcoin juggernaut.”

To further strengthen its leadership, Nakamoto announced last week the appointment of Amanda Fabiano as Chief Operating Officer. Fabiano, former Head of Mining at Galaxy Digital and Director of Bitcoin Mining at Fidelity Investments, brings over a decade of experience to the role. “We are thrilled to add Amanda to the Nakamoto team,” said Bailey. “Her track record of building institutional infrastructure and driving execution across complex organizations will provide immediate value.”

Fabiano added, “I am excited to join Nakamoto at such a pivotal time in its growth. Nakamoto is transforming bold ideas into real-world impact and pushing the frontier of institutional Bitcoin adoption.”

With the merger’s closing likely imminent, Bitcoin market participants are watching closely as Nakamoto prepares to deploy over $760 million into BTC—potentially adding major buying pressure in the days ahead.

Disclosure: Nakamoto is in partnership with Bitcoin Magazine’s parent company BTC Inc to build the first global network of Bitcoin treasury companies, where BTC Inc provides certain marketing services to Nakamoto. More information on this can be found here. 

This post Bitcoin Price Soars Above $120K as Nakamoto Prepares $760 Million BTC Buy Post-Merger first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Surges to $117K as Trump Signs 401(k) Crypto Order Plans

Bitcoin surged above $117,500 today, recovering from a local bottom of $114,278 just yesterday, according to data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro. The sharp rebound comes after President Donald Trump officially signed a landmark executive order that would allow cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to be included in 401(k) retirement accounts.

The order directs the Department of Labor to revisit its current guidance on fiduciary responsibilities in ERISA-governed plans and clarify the appropriate process for offering diversified funds that include alternative investments.

Additionally, the order instructs collaboration between the Department of Labor, the Treasury Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal regulators to determine whether broader regulatory updates are needed to support the policy shift. The SEC is also specifically ordered to revise its own rules to help facilitate this access, signaling a significant move toward modernizing retirement investment options for millions of Americans.

“President Trump wants to give American workers more investment options in order to attain stronger and more financially secure retirement outcomes,” the White House fact sheet stated. “Alternative assets, such as private equity, real estate, and digital assets, offer competitive returns and diversification benefits.”

Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz underscored the impact of this, stating that a “monster pool of capital” will get exposure to Bitcoin and crypto as a result of Trump’s executive order. “Tons of money” will be pouring in, he added.

“President Trump promised to make the United States the ‘crypto capital of the world,’ emphasizing the need to embrace digital assets to drive economic growth and technological leadership,” the fact sheet concluded.

Bitwise’s Head of Research Ryan Rasmussen showed how much value this executive order could bring into bitcoin, stating, “If crypto captures X% of the $8 trillion 401k market: 

1% … $80 billion 

2% … $160 billion 

3% …  $240 billion 

4% … $320 billion 

5% … $400 billion 

6% … $480 billion 

7% … $560 billion 

8% … $640 billion 

9% … $720 billion 

10% … $800 billion”.

This policy shift is poised to become one of the most significant catalysts for Bitcoin adoption, adding fuel to an already strong wave of institutional interest that has been building for years. According to asset manager Bitwise, while Bitcoin miners mined 217,771 BTC in 2023, institutions purchased a staggering 913,006 BTC. The trend has accelerated in 2025, with miners producing 97,082 BTC so far this year, while institutions have scooped up 545,579 BTC.

Institutional adoption continues to break records. In 2023, just 43 publicly traded companies held Bitcoin on their balance sheets. That number rose to 64 in 2024 and has now surpassed 160 in 2025, according to Blockware.

Two companies leading the new corporate Bitcoin treasury race are David Bailey’s Nakamoto and Jack Mallers’ Twenty One Capital. Nakamoto’s planned merger with KindlyMD—set for approval by Monday, August 11—would enable it to acquire hundreds of millions in bitcoin, after raising $763 million to purchase BTC for its reserves. Twenty One Capital, meanwhile, already holds 43,514 BTC, making it the third-largest corporate Bitcoin holder worldwide.

Disclosure: Nakamoto is in partnership with Bitcoin Magazine’s parent company BTC Inc to build the first global network of Bitcoin treasury companies, where BTC Inc provides certain marketing services to Nakamoto. More information on this can be found here.

This post Bitcoin Surges to $117K as Trump Signs 401(k) Crypto Order Plans first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Acacia Partners With Unchained and Build on Bitcoin-Backed Loan Strategy

Today, Acacia Research Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTG) has announced a new partnership with Unchained and Build Asset Management, focusing on a Bitcoin-backed commercial loan strategy designed to offer attractive, risk-adjusted returns while expanding Acacia’s exposure to the rapidly growing Bitcoin ecosystem.

“We are very excited to partner with Unchained and Build for this Bitcoin-backed loan strategy,” said Martin (“MJ”) D. McNulty, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Acacia. “Investors around the world are increasingly looking to capitalize on the value Bitcoin provides as a secure source of quality collateral.”

According to the press release, the partnership will see Acacia purchasing commercial whole loans that are fully collateralized by Bitcoin. These loans will be originated by an affiliate of Unchained and sold to a wholly owned subsidiary of Acacia. Build Asset Management will provide administrative and related services for the holding and management of these loans.

McNulty further explained the structure and benefits of the strategy, stating, “We believe the loans will provide attractive risk-adjusted returns given their healthy interest rates, low loan-to-value metrics, and the protection and innovation in the institutional custody solutions for the Bitcoin backing these fully recourse loans.”

Acacia, known for acquiring and operating businesses in the industrial, energy, and technology industries, continues to apply its strategic capital and operational expertise to emerging opportunities like Bitcoin.

“This partnership allows us to participate in the Bitcoin ecosystem in a way that enables holders dollar liquidity while maintaining their Bitcoin ownership,” McNulty added. “Our team constantly explores creative ways to generate value for shareholders, and we believe this partnership will do exactly that.”

Unchained, founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, has become a major player in Bitcoin financial services. The company has secured over $12 billion in Bitcoin assets and originated $1 billion in loans with zero rehypothecation, thanks to its innovative collaborative custody model.

Build Asset Management, launched in 2018, brings investment expertise in Bitcoin-focused credit strategies, having launched a private credit fund in 2023 targeting small and medium-sized businesses.

Together, the three firms aim to leverage Bitcoin’s value as collateral to unlock new financial products and investment avenues, aligning with the evolving landscape of modern finance.

This post Acacia Partners With Unchained and Build on Bitcoin-Backed Loan Strategy first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Holds $115K as White House Targets Bitcoin And Crypto Debanking in New Order

The price of Bitcoin is holding strong at $115,000 as the White House is preparing to crack down on banks accused of debanking Bitcoin & cryptocurrency companies and politically conservative organizations.

According to a new Wall Street Journal report, the Trump administration is finalizing an executive order that would penalize banks that deny services to customers based on political beliefs or Bitcoin and crypto affiliations — a move that would be a major policy shift in favor of the digital asset industry.

“The White House is preparing to step up pressure against big banks over perceived discrimination against conservatives and crypto companies with an executive order that threatens to fine lenders that drop customers for political reasons,” the WSJ reported.

The draft executive order, viewed by the Journal, directs federal regulators to investigate whether any financial institutions have violated laws such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust rules, or consumer financial protection statutes. If so, violators could be subject to monetary penalties, consent decrees or other disciplinary measures, according to the draft.

The executive order comes after years of complaints from Bitcoin and crypto companies, which have said they were systematically shut out of traditional banking services under the Biden administration. Many firms struggled to maintain checking accounts, access payment processors, or receive basic credit services — a trend known as “crypto debanking.”

Banks have defended their decisions by citing legal, regulatory, or financial risks — particularly concerns about compliance with anti-money-laundering laws. However, under the draft order, regulators would be told to eliminate internal policies that may have contributed to debanking practices and to review banks’ participation in federal lending programs.

While the draft does not explicitly name any banks, it references a controversy involving Bank of America, which was accused of closing accounts belonging to a Christian nonprofit operating in Uganda. The bank responded, saying that it doesn’t serve small businesses operating outside the U.S.

The draft also criticizes banks’ involvement in the federal investigation of the January 6th Capitol riot, further signaling the administration’s intent to confront what it sees as ideological targeting in the financial sector.

“Banks have been on edge about potential action by the Trump administration,” the Journal noted, referencing its earlier June report on similar executive order discussions.

A Bank of America spokesman commented: “We’ve provided detailed proposals and will continue to work with the administration and Congress to improve the regulatory framework.”

As the order could be signed as soon as this week, and with regulators instructed to refer potential violations to the Attorney General, the policy could mark a turning point as the administration’s push to restore banking access could unlock critical infrastructure for crypto firms that have long operated on the fringes of the U.S. banking system.

This post Bitcoin Price Holds $115K as White House Targets Bitcoin And Crypto Debanking in New Order first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Twenty One Capital CEO Jack Mallers Says Bitcoin Price Will Continue to Rise Above $150,000

In a bold and high-energy appearance on Bloomberg Crypto, Jack Mallers, CEO of Twenty One Capital, made clear his company’s ambition: to be the most dominant Bitcoin treasury in the world—and to ride Bitcoin’s value far past the six-figure mark.

Following the firm’s announcement that it expects to receive an additional 5,800 BTC from Tether ahead of its public listing, Mallers laid out the case for Bitcoin’s continued price surge, asserting that $150,000 per BTC is just the beginning.

“Is there enough Bitcoin for me at $120k? No. $130k, $140k, $150k? There’s always Bitcoin available—it just depends on what you’re willing to pay for it,” Mallers said. “Bitcoin is the scarcest thing. It is inelastic to the amount of demand that searches for it.”

With the upcoming capital infusion, Twenty One’s total bitcoin holdings will exceed 43,500 BTC, acquired at an average price of $87,280.37—already generating $1.3 billion in unrealized gains. This will make the company the third-largest corporate holder of bitcoin, behind only Strategy and Marathon Digital (MARA).

Mallers was unapologetically aggressive when asked about his intentions to move further up the leaderboard.

“I’m never gonna sit up here and say I want to be second,” he told Bloomberg. “The board consists of myself, Tether, and SoftBank. That’s a lot of access to capital, a lot of tech experience, and a lot of Bitcoin expertise. We think we can do pretty much anything.”

More than just stacking sats, Mallers emphasized that Twenty One is building for the long term. Alongside its treasury accumulation, the company plans to develop a suite of Bitcoin-native financial products, leveraging the experience of Mallers’ own firm Strike and the engineering pedigree of partners like Tether.

Twenty One’s structure is designed to offer Bitcoin-denominated shareholder value, with each share expected to represent approximately 12,559 sats. A new metric, Bitcoin Per Share (BPS), will offer real-time transparency on asset exposure. All BTC will be on-chain and auditable via xxi.mempool.space.

“Bitcoin is a foundational protocol for freedom,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Twenty One captures that ethos in corporate form.”

As Mallers put it: “We’re not here to beat the existing system—we’re here to build a new one.”

The firm is set to trade under ticker XXI following the closing of its business combination with Cantor Equity Partners (CEP), pending shareholder approval.

With Bitcoin’s fixed supply and rising institutional demand, Mallers believes price discovery will only accelerate from here. “The more people and capital that enter this market, the higher the price must go,” he said. “And we’re just getting started.”

This post Twenty One Capital CEO Jack Mallers Says Bitcoin Price Will Continue to Rise Above $150,000 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Human Rights Foundation Donates 800 Million Satoshis To 22 Worldwide Bitcoin And Freedom Projects

Today, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) announced its most recent round of Bitcoin Development Fund grants, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine.

800 million satoshis (8 BTC) currently worth over $874,000 at the time of writing, is being granted across 22 different projects around the world focusing on open-source development, educational initiatives, Bitcoin mining decentralization, and privacy tools for human rights advocates living under authoritarian regimes. The main areas of focus for these grants center around Latin America, Africa, and Asia

While the HRF did not disclose how much money each project is receiving specifically, the following 22 projects are the recipients of today’s round of grants worth 8 BTC, or 800 billion satoshis, in total:

Mostro

In authoritarian regimes, centralized exchanges enforce strict identity verification and frequently freeze user accounts. In these environments, Mostro, a peer-to-peer exchange built on the decentralized nostr protocol, provides a private and censorship-resistant way to access Bitcoin. It enables human rights defenders and ordinary citizens to transact freely. With HRF support, developer Catrya will improve Mostro’s usability to better serve dissidents seeking financial freedom.

SudaBit

As war and hyperinflation devastate Sudan, traditional banks and remittance systems have collapsed. Millions of Sudanese are left without reliable ways to save, send, or receive money. SudaBit, under development by Sudan Hodl, is the country’s first private Bitcoin on- and off-ramp, providing a critical financial lifeline where few options remain. With HRF support, SudaBit will allow everyday Sudanese to access permissionless, self-custodial Bitcoin directly from their local currency while at the same time building a vital financial infrastructure amid a humanitarian and monetary crisis.

Stringer News

Authoritarian regimes silence independent media to control public narratives and suppress dissent. Stringer News, an open media platform founded by war reporter and author Anjan Sundaram, uses Bitcoin and nostr to help reporters and human rights defenders publish without fear of censorship. By bypassing traditional publishing gatekeepers, it ensures critical reporting reaches global audiences — even from the depths of autocratic regimes. With HRF support, Stringer News is amplifying the voices of frontline journalists and protecting the flow of truth under dictatorship.

Prices Today

As Vladimir Putin wages war against Ukraine, it hides the economic pain at home. Prices Today is a project launched by the Anti-Corruption Foundation that tracks rising prices across essential goods and services in the country and publishes the data on an open, accessible website. The project helps Russians see through state propaganda and confront the hidden financial toll of Putin’s war. With this grant, Prices Today will expand its tools and research to expose the true cost of war and challenge the Kremlin’s narrative.

Instamouse for Bitcoin and Lightning

Contributing to Bitcoin’s codebase may require specialized tools and complex setup — barriers for developers in resource-limited environments. Instamouse, created by software developer Bryan Bishop (kanzure), is breaking down those barriers with a browser-based environment for open-source Bitcoin development. By reducing hardware requirements and simplifying access, it opens the door to a more inclusive environment that allows more people around the world to contribute to Bitcoin. With this grant, Instamouse will help keep Bitcoin’s development truly permissionless. 

Seedsigner

Most commercial hardware wallets can be expensive, proprietary, and traceable. This poses barriers to self-custody for dissidents in weak economies or surveillant regimes. Seedsigner is a fully customizable, DIY Bitcoin hardware wallet that anyone can build using affordable, off-the-shelf components. It offers dissidents a discreet, low-cost way to secure their Bitcoin. HRF funding for lead developer Keith Mukai will expand language support across Europe, Asia, and beyond, as well as ongoing feature development and mentoring of new contributors. 

Spacebear’s Contributions to Payjoin

Bitcoin enables human rights defenders to receive unstoppable payments. But making those payments private is the next critical step. Payjoin is a technique that lets senders and receivers batch Bitcoin transactions, breaking common chain analysis heuristics and improving default privacy. This is vital for activists in surveillance states who urgently need financial privacy without drawing attention. With HRF support, developer spacebear is advancing Payjoin to make privacy the default on Bitcoin and protect civil societies under tyranny.

Padawan Wallet

When authoritarian regimes devalue currencies or impose capital controls, people often turn to Bitcoin. But without experience, many struggle to use it safely. Padawan Wallet, a free, open-source mobile app by developer thunderbiscuit, helps bridge that gap. It uses Bitcoin test network coins to simulate real payments in a risk-free environment. It lets users practice making transactions, secure their wallets, and explore saving without risking real funds. With HRF support, Padawan will launch on iOS, expanding access to safe, hands-on Bitcoin learning for millions facing financial uncertainty.

Brink

Without ongoing support for Bitcoin development and its contributors, the network risks slower innovation, greater centralization, and long-term security challenges. Brink, a nonprofit organization led by Executive Director Mike Schmidt, addresses this by funding and mentoring open-source developers working on Bitcoin’s software infrastructure. Through grants and fellowships, Brink helps keep the protocol secure, decentralized, and freely accessible. With this grant, Brink will further strengthen the foundation that makes Bitcoin a tool for financial freedom.

Coin Center

As dictators increasingly treat code as a crime, open-source developers face sanctions, lawsuits, and mounting legal threats. Coin Center, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization led by Director of Research Peter Van Valkenburgh, defends the right to build and use open digital asset networks like Bitcoin. It advances policy analysis, supports strategic litigation, and educates lawmakers to protect freedom-preserving technologies. With HRF support, Coin Center will continue shaping a global legal environment where vital tools can be built for human rights defenders at risk.

Bitcoin Design Foundation

Poor user experience is a major barrier to Bitcoin adoption. Inconsistent wallet experiences and steep learning curves can deter new users, especially in high-risk environments. The Bitcoin Design Foundation is a nonprofit founded by UI designers Christoph Ono, Mogashni Naidoo, and Daniel Nordh that addresses this by funding open-source design, UX research, and community initiatives to make Bitcoin products more intuitive. With HRF support, the foundation will expand its grant and education programs to keep usability a priority and ensure Bitcoin remains open to all. 

EmberOne

Bitcoin mining is dominated by a few companies producing closed, proprietary hardware — threatening the network’s resilience and accessibility. The 256 Foundation is a nonprofit working to change that. Building on the open-source Bitaxe project, EmberOne produces modular, open-source mining hardware that is simple, affordable, and open to anyone — especially those living under repressive regimes. With HRF support, EmberOne will lower entry barriers and help disrupt the proprietary ecosystem, making Bitcoin mining more accessible for those in closed societies.

2025 FROST Developer Support

For nonprofits operating under authoritarian rule, securing Bitcoin is critical for survival. If private keys (which control access to bitcoin) are compromised, funds can be seized and movements dismantled. Blockchain Commons is a nonprofit supporting the development of FROST (Flexible Round-Optimized Schnorr Threshold Signature), a protocol that strengthens multisignature wallets (bitcoin wallets with multiple private keys) by making them more secure, private, and flexible for shared custody. With this grant, Blockchain Commons will help build critical infrastructure to keep civil society groups operational and financially resilient under dictatorships. 

Ecash UX Improvement Project

Ecash enables fast, private payments resistant to surveillance. But a relatively poor user experience limits adoption — especially for human rights advocates who need it most. The ecash UX improvement project, led by UX designer Erik Cativo, is making clients built on protocols like Cashu and Fedimint more intuitive and accessible. When integrated with decentralized platforms like Nostr, these tools allow dissidents to transact and communicate privately, beyond the reach of dictators. With this grant, the project will help transform ecash into a user-friendly solution for those navigating financial repression.

Summer of Bitcoin

For students living under tyranny, contributing to open-source Bitcoin development can feel out of reach due to limited access, mentorship, and opportunity. Summer of Bitcoin, a program founded by Adi Shankara, connects university students with open-source Bitcoin projects. It offers mentorship, training, and paid internships. With students from 74 countries, it’s fostering a new generation of contributors committed to privacy, freedom, and financial sovereignty. With this grant, the program will continue helping students in repressive environments gain the skills to build the tools their communities need.

Entropy | Bitcoin Education

Around the world, those who need Bitcoin most often lack access to clear, engaging education on how to use it safely. Entropy is an educational initiative led by open-source developer D++ that addresses this through gamified workshops, bootcamps, and hands-on learning focused on financial inclusion and personal sovereignty. These programs equip students with the knowledge to take control of their money. With HRF support, D++ will document and refine this educational model to make it replicable and accessible to communities most at risk of financial repression.

Evento

In authoritarian regimes, organizing in person can be dangerous (especially when dictators want to restrict the flow of information and money). Evento, an events platform created by Brianna Honkawa d’Estries, is designed to help individuals and communities gather and collaborate securely. By integrating freedom technologies like Bitcoin — and soon, nostr — it embeds accessibility and censorship resistance at its core. With HRF support, Evento will provide activists, nonprofits, and grassroots movements a reliable way to assemble, even where freedom of assembly is under attack.

Brandon Odiwuor’s Contributions to Bitcoin Core

Bitcoin’s security and reliability depend on developers who review, test, and maintain its code — work that is both demanding and often underfunded. Brandon Odiwuor is a proven contributor to Bitcoin Core, regularly reviewing key code changes and submitting improvements to Bitcoin’s main software implementation. His work helps ensure Bitcoin remains stable, robust, and censorship-resistant for people living under authoritarian regimes. With this support, Brandon is strengthening the foundation that makes Bitcoin a means to achieve individual liberty and a free society.

Satoshi Sister Circle

Despite growing global adoption, women, especially across Africa and the Global Majority, remain underrepresented in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The Satoshi Sister Circle, founded by Charlene Fairepo, the CEO of Mango Digital Strategies and author of “The Bitcoin Leap: How Bitcoin Is Transforming Africa,” is closing this gap by supporting African women pursuing careers in Bitcoin. Through mentorship, networking, and wellness support, the initiative is building a pipeline of women leaders across  the space. With HRF funding, Satoshi Sister Circle will expand its reach and help shape a more inclusive future for Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Month: Empowering Young People in the Global South and Authoritarian Regimes

In many authoritarian regimes, young people bear the brunt of economic mismanagement and financial repression. Students For Liberty’s Bitcoin Month is a global education campaign that teaches youth how to use Bitcoin for uncensorable payments and inflation-resistant savings. The project blends in-person and virtual learning through a network of coordinators across 110+ countries. With HRF support, the initiative can expand its reach, train more volunteers, and equip young people with freedom technologies — even in the most economically unstable regions.

Bitcoin Pidgin & Bitcoin Anambra

In Nigeria, the lack of Bitcoin education in local languages remains a major barrier to Bitcoin adoption, leaving many excluded from tools that could offer financial freedom. Bitcoin Pidgin & Bitcoin Anambra, led by entrepreneur Kester Ejikeme, are teaching Bitcoin in Nigerian Pidgin English. The initiative delivers practical Bitcoin education through community events, merchant partnerships, and by building a circular economy in Anambra State. With HRF support, it will expand access to educational materials and grow grassroots financial literacy across the country.

Bitcoin Boma

In Malawi, persistent inflation, currency devaluations, and high poverty rates leave many without stable financial security. Bitcoin Boma, led by co-executive director Grant Gombwa, addresses this by using Bitcoin education to promote financial resilience. With online courses, community meetups, and local outreach, the nonprofit helps Malawians understand and use decentralized tools to build financial independence amidst economic hardship. With HRF support, Bitcoin Boma will scale its programs across one of the world’s most economically vulnerable regions.

The HRF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. The HRF continues to raise support for the Bitcoin Development Fund, and interested donors can find more info on how to donate bitcoin here. The BDF has donated $8.5 million in Bitcoin to 298 projects across 62 countries worldwide since launching in 2020.

Applications for grant support by the HRF can be submitted here. 

This post Human Rights Foundation Donates 800 Million Satoshis To 22 Worldwide Bitcoin And Freedom Projects first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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President Trump Supports Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill, Senator Lummis Says

Today at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, took the stage to give updates on federal and state level Bitcoin adoption in the United States.

Cynthia Lummis announced that President Donald Trump is supportive of her Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, which would see the United States purchase 1,000,000 BTC, among other pro-Bitcoin and stablecoin legislation. 

“President Trump supports the bill,” she stated. “And he has a team in the White House working on digital assets — everything from stablecoins to market structure to Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. And they will probably roll out in that order.”

“States have always been the incubators of innovation,” Lummis said. “Senator Justice was the Governor of West Virginia, Senator Blackburn will be the next Governor of Tennessee. The states are where the innovation is occurring.”

“So you have Arizona, Texas and New Hampshire that passed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bills this year,” she continued. “30 states consider Strategic Bitcoin Reserves. We have the United Arab Emirates purchasing Bitcoin through American exchange traded funds — that’s good for America.”

Senator Blackburn echoed Lummis’ statements, sharing her thoughts on how other countries will follow the United States in their adoption of Bitcoin.

“Many of our allies follow what we do,” Blackburn said. “Everybody wants to be a part of of our market, they want to be a part of our trade. And they will follow what we do. And as Senator Lummis said, we already see countries that are establishing these reserves. So it is vitally important that we hold this as a portion of our reserves.”

Justice emphasized that to be successful, “we have got to get the economics right. Many people ask me many times as Governor, ‘what’s the most important thing you do?’ And I’ll promise you this, it’s all about the economics.” 

Justice then went on to explain that when the average, everyday person is using Bitcoin to purchase their necessities, that legislation will start “happening at light speed”, because politicians want to get re-elected and therefore must follow the will of the people.

You can watch the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference Industry Day below:

This post President Trump Supports Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill, Senator Lummis Says first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

ARK Invest Raises 2030 Bitcoin Bull Case Price Target to $2.4 Million

ARK Invest has significantly revised its long-term outlook for Bitcoin, now projecting a bull case price target of approximately $2.4 million by 2030. The report lays out a comprehensive modeling framework based on Bitcoin’s total addressable market (TAM) potential, adoption trends, and assumptions around supply dynamics.

The updated target represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~72% between December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2030. In comparison, ARK’s base and bear case estimates stand at $1.2 million (CAGR ~53%) and $500,000 (CAGR ~32%), respectively.

“Institutional investment contributes the most to our bull case,” the report notes, emphasizing a projected penetration rate of 6.5% of the $200 trillion global market portfolio ex-gold by 2030. That share, according to ARK, is nearly double the current allocation to gold.

Referred to by some as “digital gold,” Bitcoin is increasingly recognized for its potential as a “nimbler, more transparent store-of-value”, the report states. Digital gold alone is expected to contribute more than a third to the bull case valuation, assuming Bitcoin captures 60% of gold’s $18 trillion market cap.

Emerging market demand is another major factor. “In our view, this bitcoin use case has the greatest potential for capital accrual,” ARK said, citing the asset’s ability to protect wealth from inflation and devaluation in developing economies. This segment could account for 13.5% of the $2.4 million valuation, assuming a 6% TAM penetration rate of emerging market monetary bases.

Further contributions stem from growing adoption by nation-state treasuries, corporate cash reserves, and a burgeoning on-chain financial services ecosystem. Notably, even conservative assumptions for on-chain services reflect a 60% CAGR, building on innovations like Layer 2 networks and WBTC.

In a supplemental analysis, ARK also applied these assumptions to Bitcoin’s “active” supply, a methodology that discounts long-held or lost coins. With a liveliness-adjusted supply basis, the bull case price target jumps from the original $1.5 million to the updated $2.4 million.

ARK concludes, “Bitcoin’s scarcity and lost supply are not reflected in most valuation models today,” suggesting further upside potential beyond the already bold forecast.

You can read the full report here.

This post ARK Invest Raises 2030 Bitcoin Bull Case Price Target to $2.4 Million first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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ruya Becomes First Islamic Bank to Offer Bitcoin and Virtual Asset Investments

In a landmark development for Islamic finance and digital banking, ruya (رويا), the UAE’s digital-first Islamic bank, has become the first Islamic bank globally to offer customers direct access to virtual asset investments, including Bitcoin, through its mobile app, according to an announcement.

The new service is made possible through a strategic partnership with Fuze, a licensed leader in virtual asset infrastructure. Together, ruya and Fuze aim to provide a secure and ethical entry point into the digital economy, with services that are fully Shari’ah-compliant and aligned with the principles of Islamic finance.

“At ruya, we are committed to transforming the financial landscape in the UAE by offering forward-thinking services while staying true to our mission of ethical Islamic banking,” said Christoph Koster, CEO of ruya. “By integrating virtual assets into our investment platform, we aim to empower our customers to participate in the digital economy sustainably and responsibly. We can also assure our customers that the virtual assets we are offering on our ruya investment platform are Shari’ah-compliant, providing much-needed certainty.”

The launch comes at a time of rapid growth in the UAE’s virtual asset sector. In the year ending June 2024, the country received more than $30 billion in virtual assets, marking a 42% year-on-year increase, significantly outpacing the regional average of 11.7%, according to the announcement. The move underscores the UAE’s emergence as a major hub for digital finance in the MENA region.

“Partnering with ruya is a big step towards making virtual assets a seamless part of everyday banking,” said Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf), Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze. “Together, we’re combining Fuze’s cutting-edge infrastructure with ruya’s commitment to ethical Islamic banking.”

Unlike other platforms that encourage speculative crypto trading, ruya’s offering is embedded within a curated investment framework designed to support long-term financial growth, the company stated in the announcement. It will focus on transparency, fairness, and ethical investing—core tenets of Islamic finance.

To ensure accessibility and informed decision-making, ruya is also offering support through community centers and hybrid call centers, where customers can receive expert guidance on virtual asset investing.

This post ruya Becomes First Islamic Bank to Offer Bitcoin and Virtual Asset Investments first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Russia’s Finance Ministry and Central Bank to Launch Crypto Exchange for “Super-qualified Investors”

Russia’s Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Russia are set to jointly launch a cryptocurrency exchange designed exclusively for super-qualified investors, as part of a broader effort to bring crypto operations into a formal regulatory framework, according to a RBC report.

“Together with the Central Bank, we will launch a crypto exchange for super-qualified investors. Crypto assets will be legalized, and crypto operations will be brought out of the shadows. Naturally, not within our country, but those operations that have been carried out today within the framework of the experimental legal regime,” said Finance Minister Anton Siluanov during a recent ministry meeting, as reported by RBC.

The move follows a proposal by the Central Bank to introduce an experimental legal regime (ELR) for three years, allowing a select group of investors to legally trade cryptocurrencies. The concept centers around a new investor category—super-qualified investors—defined by strict wealth and income thresholds.

Previously, the Central Bank suggested that this status be granted to individuals with at least ₽100 million in securities or deposits, or annual income exceeding ₽50 million. However, the Finance Ministry has indicated that these requirements are not final.

“Perhaps it will be in this format or these indicators will be somehow adjusted in one direction or another – this is possible. I think there will be a wide range of discussions,” said Osman Kabaloev, Deputy Director of the Ministry’s Financial Policy Department.

The initiative is already gaining traction among financial institutions. In March, Vladimir Krekoten, Managing Director for Sales and Business Development at the Moscow Exchange, confirmed readiness to launch derivatives trading linked to cryptocurrencies, saying the platform is at “maximum level of readiness” and could begin operations in 2025.

The Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange (SPB Exchange) has expressed similar ambitions. “SPB Exchange supports initiatives aimed at expanding the investment opportunities of investors and diversifying their strategies. We plan to start trading products tied to the value of cryptocurrencies,” a representative told RBC Investments.

While some firms see this as a transformative shift, others remain skeptical. Igor Danilenko, head of asset management at Renaissance Capital, dismissed crypto as a viable asset class: “There are many ways to protect yourself from inflation without resorting to tokens without any real collateral, which depend on the influx of new buyers and are very similar to a pyramid scheme in essence.”

This post Russia’s Finance Ministry and Central Bank to Launch Crypto Exchange for “Super-qualified Investors” first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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University of the Hespérides Launches First Spanish-Language Master’s Program Focused Exclusively on Bitcoin

The University of the Hespérides, an institution known for its classical liberal academic philosophy, has launched the first-ever Master’s program in Spanish dedicated exclusively to Bitcoin, according to an exclusive press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. Starting April 28, 2025, the fully online program aims to prepare professionals with the technical, economic, legal, and philosophical tools needed to lead in the Bitcoin era.

“Without sound education, we risk continued misunderstanding and underutilization of its potential. This program is intended to close that gap and train professionals who can engage with Bitcoin responsibly and knowledgeably,” said Álvaro D. María, director of the program and author of The Philosophy of Bitcoin.

The Master’s in Bitcoin is designed as an interdisciplinary curriculum, covering Bitcoin’s philosophy, history, economics, technology, regulation, and business development. It promises to offer students a complete view of Bitcoin—not as just a speculative asset, but as a transformative monetary network.

“Bitcoin is the most important monetary revolution in decades—and it will shape our future. We must be ready to use it to defend our freedoms against the State. That’s why, at Hesperides University, we see this program as essential,” said Juan Ramón Rallo, Dean of the Undergraduate School and a leading economist specializing in Austrian theory and Bitcoin.

The program is structured to answer practical and foundational questions alike:

• What makes Bitcoin unique among digital assets?
  
• What technological and economic principles underpin its protocol?
  
• How do regulatory frameworks impact its adoption?
  
• What skills are most in demand across Bitcoin-native firms?
  

Geared toward entrepreneurs, engineers, economists, lawyers, and investors, the curriculum combines theoretical instruction with practical insights. Students will participate in masterclasses, case studies, and seminars, learning from experts who work directly in the Bitcoin industry.

The faculty includes a roster of Bitcoin experts and instructors such as: Kristyna Mazankova (The Bitcoin Conference), Manuel Polavieja (monetary theory), Kilian Rausch (Boltz Exchange), Manu Ferrari (Money on Chain), Sergio Fernández (NegociosTV), and Decentralized, a prominent educator in the space.

Institutional backing further strengthens the program. Key partners include BTC Inc, Jan3, BTC Consulting 360, ‘Watch Out, Bitcoin’, NegociosTV, and the Institute of Philosophy and Economics of Bitcoin (IFEB). This network ensures that the curriculum stays closely aligned with industry needs while offering students pathways to professional opportunities.

The program is accessible to international students and working professionals alike. Delivered fully online and entirely in Spanish, it allows students to pursue academic depth without compromising their existing responsibilities.

Enrollment is now open, and full details on admission and coursework are available on their website here.

This post University of the Hespérides Launches First Spanish-Language Master’s Program Focused Exclusively on Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Jack Mallers Named CEO of New Bitcoin Powerhouse Twenty One Capital, Plans to Launch With 42,000 BTC

Jack Mallers, co-founder and CEO of Strike, has been named co-founder and CEO of Twenty One Capital, Inc., a new Bitcoin-native firm preparing to go public via a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners. The company plans to trade under the ticker $XXI and will launch with an initial treasury of more than 42,000 Bitcoin—making it the third-largest corporate Bitcoin holder in the world.

Backed by Tether and SoftBank, Twenty One enters the market with a clear mission: to maximize Bitcoin ownership per share and offer investors direct exposure to Bitcoin via a public company structure. Last night, the Financial Times reported that “The consortium is creating a multibillion-dollar bitcoin acquisition vehicle that will absorb billions in cryptocurrency from the other partners and use the funds in an attempt to replicate the success of MicroStrategy.”

“Markets need reliable money to measure value and allocate capital efficiently,” said Jack Mallers. “We believe that Bitcoin is the answer, and Twenty One is how we bring that answer to public markets. Our mission is simple: to become the most successful company in Bitcoin, the most valuable financial opportunity of our time. We’re not here to beat the market, we’re here to build a new one. A public stock, built by Bitcoiners, for Bitcoiners.”

Twenty One will debut with $585 million in capital raised through PIPE financing and convertible notes, with funds earmarked for additional Bitcoin purchases and general operations. Tether, a co-founder of the venture, has committed to acquiring Bitcoin equivalent to the full PIPE raise ahead of closing.

“Bitcoin is one of the only truly decentralized, immutable, and censorship-resistant asset, and its role as the foundation of a new financial system is inevitable,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “With Jack at the helm, we are proud to support this effort to further Bitcoin’s adoption and reinforce its role as the ultimate store of value. At Tether, we have always believed in supporting initiatives that strengthen Bitcoin’s dominance and real-world utility. Twenty One will take a Bitcoin-first approach that aligns with our vision—prioritizing accumulation over speculation and building long-term value for those who understand what Bitcoin represents.”

With its dual focus on financial products and Bitcoin-centered media, Twenty One aims to evolve the MicroStrategy, now rebranded to Strategy, model into a broader platform for Bitcoin-native innovation, offering new capital market instruments, lending models, and pro-Bitcoin content for public shareholders.

This post Jack Mallers Named CEO of New Bitcoin Powerhouse Twenty One Capital, Plans to Launch With 42,000 BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF IBIT Hit $4.2 Billion in Trading Volume as Bitcoin Price Surpasses $91,000

BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, recorded a massive $4.2 billion in trading volume today as the price of Bitcoin soared above $91,000 for the first time since early March. According to data from Barchart, IBIT traded a staggering 81,098,938 shares, ending the trading session at a price of $52.08.

The surge in ETF activity comes on the same day Bitcoin climbed to $91,739, according to Bitbo. This marks the highest price level since April 8, when Bitcoin hit a low of $75,603. The strong upward momentum signals renewed buying pressure in the market, particularly from institutional investment products like spot ETFs.

Fidelity’s spot Bitcoin ETF, FBTC, also saw significant trading activity, with $425.17 million in volume. Meanwhile, Grayscale’s GBTC posted $250.91 million, Ark Invest’s ETF recorded $170 million, and Bitwise’s fund traded $120 million over the day.

Earlier in the day, BlackRock’s IBIT also reached an all-time high when measured against the Nasdaq index, a noteworthy milestone indicating the growing strength and investor confidence in the fund and Bitcoin.

High-volume trading days such as this where the price of BTC surges up often reflects strong inflows. However, the official figures for net inflows and outflows for today’s ETF activity will not be available until later this evening as the wealth managers publicize them.

As Bitcoin’s price continues to trend upward and ETF products show strong trading volumes, the market is now being shaped not just by investor speculation, but also by fundamental demand from corporate and institutional buyers. The impact of regulated financial products like spot ETFs is being amplified by a growing wave of corporate adoption.

In addition to institutional interest via ETFs, public companies are increasingly turning to Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Michael Saylor’s Strategy has continued to aggressively acquire BTC, most recently announcing the purchase of 6,556 more coins. Semler Scientific has also joined the trend, reaching over 1,100 BTC in holdings and recently filing to raise another $500 million to buy more. GameStop is preparing to enter the market as well, having raised $1.5 billion for a Bitcoin treasury strategy dubbed “Project Rocket.” These corporate moves are injecting additional demand into the market, further contributing to upward price momentum.

Together, the surge in ETF activity and rising corporate adoption appear to be forming a powerful feedback loop, helping to push Bitcoin’s price to new highs. While final inflow data for today’s ETF trading will arrive later this evening, the combined impact of institutional buying and balance sheet strategies from publicly traded companies is reinforcing Bitcoin’s status as both an investment asset and a long-term store of value.

This post BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF IBIT Hit $4.2 Billion in Trading Volume as Bitcoin Price Surpasses $91,000 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Bitcoin Price Surges to $88,000 as Institutional Demand and Gold Rally Fuel Momentum

Bitcoin’s price continued its upward trajectory today, rising $3,735 (4.42%), at the time of writing, to reach $88,300, seemingly driven by strong institutional buying and renewed momentum in alternative assets. The surge comes as gold breaks above $3,400 per ounce for the first time, currently trading at $3,431.10, underscoring a broader trend of investors seeking safe-haven assets.

Since April 2, Bitcoin’s performance has also outpaced the Nasdaq, showcasing growing divergence between traditional equities and digital assets.

One of the day’s key developments came from Strategy ($MSTR), formerly known as MicroStrategy, in which Chairman Michael Saylor announced the purchase of 6,556 BTC for approximately $555.8 million at an average price of $84,785 per bitcoin. As of April 20, 2025, the company holds 538,200 BTC, acquired for roughly $36.47 billion at an average cost of $67,766 per bitcoin.

Strategy has now bought 285,980 BTC since it unveiled its ambitious 21/21 plan to acquire $42 billion worth of bitcoin. That breaks down to an average of $154 million in daily purchases over nearly six months—an aggressive pace unmatched by any other public company.

Meanwhile, Japanese public company Metaplanet also reported a fresh Bitcoin acquisition as part of its ongoing treasury strategy. In a statement, the company confirmed:

“The acquisition of additional Bitcoin as part of its ongoing Bitcoin Treasury Operations. Details of the latest purchase are as follows:
Number of Bitcoin Purchased： 330 Bitcoin
Average Purchase Price： 12,181,570 yen per Bitcoin
Aggregated Amount Purchased： 4.020 billion yen
Total Bitcoin Holdings： 4,855 Bitcoin
Average Purchase Price： 12,804,361 yen per Bitcoin
Aggregated Amount Purchased： 62.165 billion yen”

These moves reflect a broader trend of corporate adoption and treasury allocation toward Bitcoin amid macroeconomic uncertainty and currency debasement concerns.

With Bitcoin’s price pressing into new highs and institutional accumulation continuing at scale, market sentiment appears to be turning bullish after a period of bearishness reaching a lot of around $76,000. Today’s price action—along with fresh buying from public companies—signals that demand for Bitcoin as a strategic asset is not only persisting but accelerating.

This post Bitcoin Price Surges to $88,000 as Institutional Demand and Gold Rally Fuel Momentum first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Corporate Bitcoin Holdings Hit Record High in Q1 2025 as Public Companies Accelerate Accumulation

Public Companies Now Hold Over 688K BTC, Signaling Record Institutional Bitcoin Adoption

Bitcoin adoption by public companies has reached an all-time high, according to a new report from Bitwise. In Q1 2025, publicly traded firms now hold a combined over 688,000 BTC, up 16.11% quarter over quarter, representing 3.28% of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million supply.

This corporate treasure trove is valued at over $57 billion, based on a Bitcoin price of $82,445, reflecting a 2.15% increase in total value from the previous quarter. The number of public companies with Bitcoin on their balance sheets has also grown to 79, a 17.91% quarterly increase, with 12 new companies joining the list.

Bitwise attributes the uptick in adoption to several key developments, most notably the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rule allowing companies to report Bitcoin at fair market value. This accounting shift has eliminated a major friction point for CFOs and boards, paving the way for more companies to easily adopt BTC as a reserve asset.

MicroStrategy—now rebranded as Strategy—continues to lead the charge, purchasing $7.7 billion worth of Bitcoin in Q1 and increasing its total holdings to 531,644 BTC after an additional buy of 3,459 BTC worth $285.8 million earlier this week.

Other notable top Bitcoin holders include MARA Holdings (47,531 BTC), Riot Platforms (19,223 BTC), CleanSpark (11,869 BTC), and Tesla (11,509 BTC).

Japanese firm Metaplanet announced plans to acquire 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025, while Semler Scientific added 1,100+ BTC to its balance sheet and filed this week to raise $500 million to buy more. “We have reached a settlement in principle, EXCITED TO BUY MORE BTC!” posted Chairman Eric Semler on X. In a recent interview with Bitcoin Magazine, he added: “We own a lot of #Bitcoin and that Bitcoin appreciates. What matters most is that we create shareholder value… We’re early in accumulating Bitcoin, and we’re gonna continue to do that.”

Meanwhile, GameStop is holding $1.5 billion in newly raised funds under the codename Project Rocket to invest in Bitcoin, adding to its $4.75 billion cash reserves. Though they have yet to deploy the funds, their participation may further fuel corporate demand in coming quarters.

With 95,431 BTC purchased in Q1 alone, the report suggests this momentum is only building.

This post Corporate Bitcoin Holdings Hit Record High in Q1 2025 as Public Companies Accelerate Accumulation first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Panama City Approves Bitcoin and Crypto Payments for Taxes, Fees, and Permits

In yet another milestone for Bitcoin adoption in Latin America, the Panama City Council has voted to approve the acceptance of Bitcoin and other digital currencies for municipal services, making it the first public institution in the country to do so.

The news was announced by Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi on X (formerly Twitter), who stated:

“Panama City council has just voted in favor of becoming the first public institution of government to accept payments in Crypto. Citizens will now be able to pay taxes, fees, tickets and permits entirely in crypto starting with BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT.”

This decision sets Panama City on a more progressive path, enabling residents to interact with their local government using Bitcoin for everyday transactions. Mizrachi also explained how this was achieved without the need for new legislation, a hurdle that had stalled previous efforts.

“Prior administrations tried to push a bill in the senate to make this possible, but we found a simple way to do it without new legislation. Legally, public institutions must receive funds in $, so we partner with a bank who will take care of the transaction—receiving in crypto and convert on spot to $. This allows for the free flow of crypto in the entire economy and entire government.”

The Panama City Mayor’s Office further confirmed the news on its official social media channels, saying:

“We will soon become the first public institution in the country to allow payment for municipal services in cryptocurrency, through an authorized bank that will be responsible for converting the proceeds into dollars for the Mayor’s Office.”

Mayor Mizrachi also revealed that the agreement with the banking partner will be finalized next week:

“Deal’s being signed next week at the Blockchain conf in Panama. Look out for signing of the deal next week.”

This post Panama City Approves Bitcoin and Crypto Payments for Taxes, Fees, and Permits first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Designathon 2025 Invites Global Creatives to Help Shape the Future of Bitcoin

The Bitcoin Design Community has officially announced Designathon 2025, a two-week global online event running from May 4–18, 2025, aimed at transforming the user experience of bitcoin through creativity, design, and collaboration, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine.

In contrast to traditional hackathons that prioritize code, Designathon 2025 aims to put user experience and accessibility front and center, inviting participants from all backgrounds—not just professional designers—to help shape the next generation of bitcoin tools and interfaces.

“As bitcoin continues to grow globally, intuitive and accessible design has become critical for mainstream adoption,” organizers stated in the press release. “The Designathon creates space for designers to address user experience challenges that may be overlooked in technically-focused events.”

Participation is open to anyone with a creative mindset. “You don’t need to be a professional designer to participate!” the organizers emphasized. “If you’re passionate about bitcoin and have creative ideas, artistic skills, or simply a fresh perspective… your contribution is valuable.”

The event includes multiple design tracks and prizes, including:

• Best Overall: Honoring the most innovative and impactful contribution
  
• Ecash Note Design: Reimagining the look and feel of digital cash
  
• Accessibility: Designing interfaces that empower users of all abilities
  
• Open Design: Celebrating teams that make exceptional use of open-source tools
  

Additional categories will be revealed during the event.

Designathon 2025 follows a flexible, low-pressure schedule with three main touchpoints: a kickoff call, a mid-event check-in, and a closing wrap-up. Participants can work at their own pace, either by submitting their own project idea or joining an existing team. The event will also feature live workshops and design jams, aiming to foster creativity and collaboration across time zones.

Those interested in sponsoring the event will see 100% of proceeds go directly to supporting participants through prize funding. “This is a great opportunity to draw attention to your project and attract high-quality contributions and contributors,” the organizers said.

Interested creatives can sign up via the official website here and connect with others in the #designathon channel on the Bitcoin Design Discord.

Designathon 2025 aims to prove that building a better bitcoin experience is something anyone can contribute to—with no code required.

This post Designathon 2025 Invites Global Creatives to Help Shape the Future of Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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President Trump Executive Director Says U.S. Could Use Tariff Revenue to Build Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Bitcoin advocate and investor Anthony Pompliano sat down with Bo Hines, Executive Director of President Donald Trump’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, in a headline-making White House interview that offered the most detailed look yet at the administration’s ambitious plans for a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve.

The conversation touched on a wide range of policy priorities — from stablecoin regulation and interagency cooperation to tariffs, law enforcement, and legislative developments — but a focal point of the conversation was the administration’s intent to aggressively accumulate Bitcoin without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

“We have obviously made it very clear that we want to acquire as much as we can get,” Hines told Pompliano. “I’ve said that repeatedly throughout my time on the speaking circuit over the course of the last few months… it stipulates that we have to acquire bitcoin in budget neutral ways that don’t cost the taxpayer a dime.”

One of the most eye-catching proposals involves using revenue from tariffs to fund Bitcoin purchases, which was interesting given the recent global trade war around tariffs and a recent White House economic projection stating that “a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion.”

“I think that we have, as the President likes to say, ‘many high IQ people’ working on these solutions,” Hines added. “We’ll come together and flesh out some of these ideas and really get to the best solution.”

Hines also addressed Senator Cynthia Lummis’ proposed BITCOIN Act of 2025, which calls for the U.S. to acquire 200,000 BTC annually for five years, building a million-bitcoin reserve.

“I think Senator Lummis has really an interesting idea with the BITCOIN Act,” said Hines. “Here what you would do is — you revalue the gold certificates that we currently have at Treasury… Most of which I think are valued around $43 an ounce… now we’re sitting at what, $3,100 an ounce… and if you took that value, what you could do is use that extra funding in order to buy more bitcoin.”

As Hines emphasized, “There’s literally countless ways in which we can do this… everything’s on the table, and like we’ve said, we want as much as we can get.”

Following the interview, Pompliano published a video to his X account sharing his top ten key takeaways from his interview with Hines, which can be found below, and the full interview can be found here on Pompliano’s YouTube channel here.

This post President Trump Executive Director Says U.S. Could Use Tariff Revenue to Build Strategic Bitcoin Reserve first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Global Nonprofits Form Bitcoin Humanitarian Alliance to Advance Civil Liberties and Aid

Today, twelve of the world’s leading human rights and humanitarian organizations gathered today at London’s Frontline Club to announce the formation of the Bitcoin Humanitarian Alliance. The coalition seeks to harness the power of Bitcoin to deliver civil liberties, support dissidents, and provide aid where traditional financial systems fall short, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine.

The Bitcoin Humanitarian Alliance website states that it “is a coalition of human rights defenders, pro-democracy movements, and humanitarian organizations using Bitcoin to advance civil liberties and humanitarian aid worldwide.”

“As a decentralized, borderless, and censorship-resistant financial tool, Bitcoin operates outside the control of governments, banks, and corporations,” further stated on its website. “This means humanitarian organizations can raise funds, move money across borders, and bypass financial repression — but only if they understand how it works, how to use it safely, and how Bitcoin differs from crypto.”

From helping political activists bypass financial censorship to enabling life-saving funds to reach crisis zones, Bitcoin has emerged as a vital tool for nonprofits operating under extreme conditions. The Bitcoin Humanitarian Alliance aims to formalize and expand this work through coordination, shared knowledge, and collective action.

Founding members include:

• CANVAS (Srdja Popovic)
  
• Anti-Corruption Foundation (Anna Chekhovich)
  
• Voluntad Popular (Leopoldo López)
  
• World Liberty Congress (Carine Kanimba)
  
• Ideas Beyond Borders (Abdo Alrayis)
  
• Democracy Lab (Noemi Boyer)
  
• Human Rights Foundation (Alex Gladstein & Femi Longe)
  
• Digital Citizen Fund (Roya Mahboob)
  
• Groundswell (Hadiya Masieh)
  
• Save the Children (Antonia Roupell)
  
• Ríos de Pie (Jhanisse Vaca Daza)
  
• Bitcoin Policy Institute (Fadi Elsalameen)
  

Collectively, these organizations span regions from Latin America to the Middle East, and their missions range from anti-corruption to child welfare. They all share a vision of Bitcoin not just as a speculative asset, but as a tool for empowerment, resilience, and access.

“Bitcoin operates outside the control of governments, banks, and corporations,” said Erik Hersman, co-founder of Bitcoin mining company utilizing hydro power in Africa, Gridless, who attended the announcement in-person today. “This means humanitarian organizations can raise funds, move money across borders, and bypass financial repression.”

The Alliance also hopes to inspire broader adoption of Bitcoin and other decentralized technologies within the nonprofit sector. As stated in its mission, it champions “a new era of philanthropy grounded in financial freedom, resilience, and global inclusion.”

For more information about the coalition and its members, visit their website here.

This post Global Nonprofits Form Bitcoin Humanitarian Alliance to Advance Civil Liberties and Aid first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Jack Dorsey’s Block Launches Open Source Tools to Simplify Bitcoin Treasury Management

Block announced it has released a new open source toolkit designed to help companies manage their Bitcoin treasury holdings more efficiently. The release includes a corporate Bitcoin holdings dashboard and a BTC-to-USD real-time price quote API, now available for all companies and developers via Block’s public GitHub repository under the Block Open Source initiative.

As Bitcoin adoption grows among institutional treasuries, businesses are seeking better tools to track and report their holdings. Block’s new dashboard directly addresses these needs, offering real-time visibility, simplicity, and adaptability.

The dashboard aims to help companies monitor the dollar value of their Bitcoin holdings through a user-friendly interface designed for both finance teams and executives. It integrates real-time pricing data via an open source BTC/USD quote API, with future plans for quarter-end historical lookup features to support financial reporting. Block has invited feedback and feature requests from the open source community via GitHub Issues.

Block further highlighted that companies are increasingly turning to Bitcoin for a variety of strategic reasons:

• Diversification: Adding Bitcoin alongside traditional treasury assets.
  
• Ecosystem support: Demonstrating alignment with Bitcoin innovation, particularly for crypto-forward businesses.
  
• Inflation hedge: Serving as a store of value in the face of fiat currency devaluation.
  
• Portfolio optimization: Aiming to enhance risk-adjusted returns.

The first working prototype  of the dashboard was created by non-engineers using Block’s internal open source AI agent, called codename goose. The AI agent enabled non-technical teams to prototype tools rapidly, with engineers from Block’s Bitcoin Platform team joining later to finalize development. Codename goose also contributed to front-end development via automated coding assistance.

Block has long been a corporate leader in Bitcoin investment. Its Bitcoin Investment Memo from October 2020 and its Bitcoin Blueprint for Corporate Balance Sheets laid the foundation for businesses entering the crypto space. Block said it continues to purchase Bitcoin through a monthly dollar-cost averaging (DCA) program and updates its dashboard quarterly after earnings reports. Its live Bitcoin treasury dashboard can be viewed here.

With this release, Block emphasized that it aims to empower other companies to manage Bitcoin on their balance sheets more confidently and transparently, further accelerating mainstream adoption of the world’s leading digital asset.

This post Jack Dorsey’s Block Launches Open Source Tools to Simplify Bitcoin Treasury Management first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Pakistan to Use Surplus Electricity for Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers: Report

Pakistan will channel part of its surplus electricity into powering Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, a significant shift in energy and tech policy aimed at turning excess capacity into economic opportunity, according to a report from Reuters. The announcement was made Wednesday by Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council and adviser to the finance minister, who also noted that talks have been held with several mining firms.

Pakistan’s energy sector has long struggled with structural challenges, including high electricity tariffs and chronic overcapacity. Utilizing the surplus for digital infrastructure is seen as a way to both modernize the economy and improve returns on energy investments.

The announcement comes just two days after the government appointed Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, as Pakistan’s new strategic advisor on crypto.

The initiative is being led by Saqib, who in a March 25 interview with Bloomberg invited global firms to explore the country’s potential for Bitcoin mining. “We welcome companies to visit Pakistan to evaluate for Bitcoin mining,” Saqib said. When asked why now is the right time to embrace Bitcoin, he replied, “Well, why not? Because if [not] now, then never.”

Saqib also praised recent developments in U.S. crypto policy under President Donald Trump, whom he described as the “biggest, bullish catalyst for crypto in history.” He added, “I think Trump is essentially flipping the script. Trump signed the executive order instructing regulatory bodies to accommodate digital assets, forming the White House crypto advisory team, creating a US strategic Bitcoin reserve.”

“We have to understand what that means,” Saqib continued. “That means that the largest economy in the world is creating the valuable national asset similar to how it stockpiles gold or oil for economic security and strength. I think the US sets the tone for the world. Trump is making crypto a national priority and every country including Pakistan will have to follow suit or will be at the risk of being left behind.”

This post Pakistan to Use Surplus Electricity for Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers: Report first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Kraken Partners with Mastercard to Bring Bitcoin Payments to Over 150 Million Merchants

Mastercard has announced a landmark partnership with Kraken to enable real-world Bitcoin and crypto payments at scale across the UK and Europe. The collaboration aims to allow Kraken’s users to spend their digital assets at over 150 million merchants worldwide that accept Mastercard, marking a major step forward in the integration of Bitcoin into everyday commerce.

“Mastercard is committed to driving innovation and expanding the possibilities of digital payments,” stated Scott Abrahams, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships at Mastercard. “Our partnership with Kraken is a concrete demonstration of this, as we work together to unlock the true potential of cryptoassets for everyday use. With a shared ambition to simplify, interoperate, and secure the digital asset ecosystem, we are proud to collaborate with Kraken and bring real value to their user base.”

Kraken, one of the most established cryptocurrency exchanges with over 15 million customers globally, is using Mastercard’s expansive payments infrastructure to expand its product suite. This includes the rapid rollout of physical and digital debit cards that connect crypto balances to retail spending.

The partnership also builds on the growing momentum of Kraken Pay, a feature introduced by the exchange to offer fast, borderless payments in cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. In just three months since its launch, more than 200,000 users have activated their personal “Kraktag” to send money worldwide with the simplicity of sending a text, the announcement stated.

“Crypto is transforming the payments industry, and we envision a future where global commerce and everyday payments are powered by cryptoassets,” said Kraken Co-CEO David Ripley in the release. “Our customers want to be able to easily pay for real-world goods and services with their cryptocurrencies or stablecoins. Our partnership with Mastercard is a major step in realizing this vision. Together, we will unlock the full potential of cryptoassets in everyday life, ensuring their long-term relevance and utility.”

Kraken users in the UK and Europe can now join the waitlist for the upcoming crypto debit cards and start preparing to use their BTC in day-to-day spending, signaling a new chapter in the mainstream adoption of Bitcoin as a functional payment tool.

Last year, Mastercard partnered with exchange Mercado Bitcoin to launch its Mastercard Crypto Credential, enabling its “first peer-to-peer (P2P) pilot transactions” using aliases instead of long and complex blockchain addresses.

This post Kraken Partners with Mastercard to Bring Bitcoin Payments to Over 150 Million Merchants first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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BitGo and Voltage Partner to Launch Instant Bitcoin Payments via Lightning Network

BitGo and Voltage have announced a new partnership aimed at transforming Bitcoin payments by integrating the Lightning Network into BitGo’s digital asset infrastructure, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. The collaboration will allow exchanges, neobanks, payment providers, and fintech firms to execute instant Bitcoin and stablecoin transactions with greater efficiency and security.

The partnership marks the first time a major institutional custodian has integrated the Lightning Network, a second-layer protocol that significantly speeds up and reduces the cost of Bitcoin transfers. BitGo’s extensive client base will now be able to access the Lightning Network’s capabilities directly within their existing digital asset platforms.

“BitGo has always been at the forefront of innovation in digital asset security and infrastructure,” said Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo. “Partnering with Voltage to integrate the Lightning Network into our product enhances our ability to provide clients with faster, more cost-effective Bitcoin and stablecoin transactions. This partnership is a game-changer in bridging institutional-grade security with scalable, low-cost global payments.”

The integration with Voltage’s Lightning infrastructure will enable Bitcoin transactions that are more than 90% faster and 90% cheaper than traditional on-chain transactions. According to the companies, the initiative is expected to accelerate adoption of the Lightning Network among institutional clients, while also laying the groundwork for seamless stablecoin settlement via the same network.

Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage, stated, “We’re thrilled to partner with BitGo to bring the power of the Lightning Network to their best-in-class platform. Together, we’re enabling organizations worldwide to send Bitcoin faster and cheaper than ever before. BitGo has been an industry leader for over a decade, and we’re proud to collaborate in delivering cutting-edge solutions to their customers.”

The move also represents a return to BitGo’s Bitcoin-native roots. Known for pioneering multi-signature security solutions, BitGo continues to expand its offerings for institutional investors while leveraging the latest developments in Bitcoin scaling technology. Just last year, BitGo integrated Replace-By-Fee (RBF), allowing clients to replace transactions stuck in the mempool to give their users even more control over their transactions.

This post BitGo and Voltage Partner to Launch Instant Bitcoin Payments via Lightning Network first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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GameStop Announces $1.3 Billion Fundraising Plan to Purchase Bitcoin

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) announced today that it intends to raise $1.3 billion through a private offering of convertible senior notes and will use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of Bitcoin. The move comes a day after the company revealed an update to its investment policy, allowing Bitcoin to be used as a treasury reserve asset.

The offering consists of $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 0.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2030. Additionally, the company plans to grant initial purchasers an option to buy up to $200 million more in notes within a 13-day period from the first issuance date. The notes will be general unsecured obligations and will not bear regular interest or accrete in value. They will mature on April 1, 2030, unless converted, redeemed, or repurchased earlier.

Upon conversion, GameStop will have the option to settle in cash, shares of its Class A common stock, or a combination of both. The initial conversion rate and other terms will be determined at the time of pricing. The company stated that it expects to use the U.S. composite volume-weighted average price of its stock from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the pricing date as the reference for the initial conversion price.

GameStop emphasized that neither the notes nor any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion have been or will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any state securities laws. As a result, they may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption. The company also stated that there are no assurances that the offering will be completed as described or at all.

This marks a significant financial decision for GameStop as it pivots toward integrating Bitcoin into its corporate strategy. A strategy pioneered by Strategy’s Michael Saylor, who met with GameStop’s CEO Ryan Cohen in person last month, and has definitely appeared to have had an influence on the GameStop’s decision to embrace BTC as a reserve asset.

This post GameStop Announces $1.3 Billion Fundraising Plan to Purchase Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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GameStop Approves Adding Bitcoin to Treasury Reserves

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) announced that its board of directors has unanimously approved an update to the company’s investment policy, allowing Bitcoin to be held as a treasury reserve asset. The decision follows a series of engagements between GameStop Chairman and CEO Ryan Cohen and prominent figures like Michael Saylor in the Bitcoin industry.

On February 8, Cohen met with Strategy Chairman and well-known Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor, sparking speculation that GameStop may be adding BTC to its balance sheet. A couple weeks after, Cohen responded to CoinDesk via a tweet stating “Letter received.” after receiving a letter from Strive Asset Management CEO Matt Cole, which urged GameStop to adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

In its announcement, GameStop noted that its investment policy now permits investments in “certain cryptocurrency assets, including Bitcoin and U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoins.” The company also acknowledged associated risks, including the potential impact of these investments on its financial results and internal financial controls.

The policy update was disclosed alongside the company’s financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended February 1, 2025.

For the fourth quarter, GameStop reported net sales of $1.283 billion, a decrease from $1.794 billion in the same period the prior year. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses fell to $282.5 million, compared to $359.2 million in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Net income for the quarter was $131.3 million, up from $63.1 million a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $96.5 million, compared to $88.0 million in the prior year’s fourth quarter.

GameStop also disclosed that it held $4.775 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at the end of the quarter. The company completed its exit from Italy and finalized the wind-down of store operations in Germany during this period.

For the full fiscal year 2024, GameStop reported net sales of $3.823 billion, down from $5.273 billion in fiscal year 2023. SG&A expenses for the year were $1.130 billion, compared to $1.324 billion in the prior year. Net income for the year reached $131.3 million, significantly higher than the $6.7 million reported in fiscal year 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $36.1 million, compared to $64.7 million in the previous year.

The company has not yet disclosed how much Bitcoin it plans to purchase or when it will begin acquiring BTC, and CEO Ryan Cohen has not yet commented publicly on the addition of Bitcoin to GameStop’s balance sheet at the time of publishing. 

This post GameStop Approves Adding Bitcoin to Treasury Reserves first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

NYDIG to Acquire Crusoe’s Bitcoin Mining Operations

NYDIG has announced plans to acquire Crusoe’s bitcoin mining operation, including its Digital Flare Mitigation (DFM) business. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, customary consents, and final closing. When completed, approximately 135 Crusoe employees will join NYDIG and continue operating the business under its ownership. No job eliminations are expected as a result of the acquisition. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

“Our partnership with Crusoe was founded on a shared cultural alignment and mutual commitment to driving advancements at the intersection of power and compute,” NYDIG CEO Tejas Shah stated. “Crusoe has built an extraordinary bitcoin mining business by demonstrating remarkable innovation—bringing together the industry’s top talent to solve complex challenges and unlock untapped energy sources. We’re incredibly excited to integrate this world-class team and their capabilities into our growing business.”

Crusoe, founded in 2018, developed DFM technology to convert natural gas from oil fields, which would otherwise be burned off as flares, into electricity for modular data centers. The company initially used these data centers for bitcoin mining before expanding into artificial intelligence (AI) workloads powered by GPU clusters. Crusoe’s approach to colocating computing with energy production has contributed to reducing environmental impact while utilizing stranded energy sources.

Crusoe’s bitcoin mining operations have deployed over 425 modular data centers, accounting for more than 250 megawatts of power across multiple states, including Colorado, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, and internationally in Argentina. According to the company, its DFM technology has mitigated 2.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and prevented nearly 22 billion cubic feet of natural gas from being flared.

“The proof-of-work consensus mechanism in the bitcoin blockchain algorithmically incentivizes the convergence of energy and computing,” said Crusoe co-founder and CEO Chase Lochmiller. “Crusoe is proud to have been a pioneer in repurposing otherwise wasted energy resources such as gas flaring to power the bitcoin network. Our innovative approach to energy utilized for mining is uniquely complementary to NYDIG’s bitcoin custody, institutional trading, and mining businesses, creating a consolidated business that is more valuable than the sum of its parts. We will continue to channel the same energy-first mentality towards scaling AI infrastructure and accelerating the adoption and proliferation of AI in our everyday lives.”

Following the deal, Crusoe will shift its focus toward scaling AI infrastructure, building AI-optimized data centers, and expanding its Crusoe Cloud product offerings while continuing to develop energy solutions for its computing operations.

This post NYDIG to Acquire Crusoe’s Bitcoin Mining Operations first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

Tabit Insurance Raises $40 Million Bitcoin-Funded Insurance Facility

Tabit Insurance SCC has announced the capitalization of a $40 million insurance facility, funded entirely in Bitcoin, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. This marks the first time a property and casualty (P&C) insurer has held all of its regulatory reserves in BTC while continuing to denominate its insurance policies and premiums in U.S. dollars. The company expressed the benefits of its funding approach, allowing regulators and auditors to verify reserves in real time.

According to Tabit, its use of BTC as capital is intended to provide an alternative source of capacity for the insurance industry. The company operates as a segregated cell company, which allows for additional cells to be formed to deploy capital in the insurance sector. This structure also enables BTC holders to earn USD returns through their own segregated cells.

William Shihara, co-founder of Tabit, stated, “Our approach to capital allocation underscores our confidence in providing a steady hand to our partners. By combining traditional balance sheet strength with carefully chosen assets like bitcoin, we’re able to stay responsive to market shifts and better serve the insurance community. This solution offers a regulated dollar return which we’re excited to earn on an alternative asset class such as bitcoin.”

The company also emphasized that its reserves are verifiable on the blockchain through a proof-of-reserves model, which allows for real-time transparency beyond the typical quarterly disclosures in the insurance industry.

“At Tabit, we saw a clear opportunity to enhance transparency within an industry that has been sorely lacking in innovation,” said Stephen Stonberg, co-founder and CEO. “We’re eager to move the insurance sector into the future by demonstrating what is possible by allowing an insurer to access a largely new and untapped source of insurance capital: digital assets.”

Tabit is headquartered in Bridgetown, Barbados, a jurisdiction known for its captive insurance market and is a top ten global captive jurisdiction. The company states that Barbados’ regulatory framework provides oversight for its operations.

Tabit plans to work with insurance carriers, brokers, and organizations seeking additional capacity or alternative risk financing options. It also aims to collaborate with large holders of digital assets who want to generate USD income while maintaining BTC exposure. More information about Tabit Insurance SCC can be found on their website here.

This post Tabit Insurance Raises $40 Million Bitcoin-Funded Insurance Facility first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

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Argentina’s Senate Hosts First-Ever Conference on Bitcoin Regulation

For the first time in history, the Argentine Senate has opened its doors to discuss Bitcoin, thanks to the efforts of NGO Bitcoin Argentina. The conference, titled “Bitcoin and its Regulatory Framework,” was held this week in the Arturo Illia Hall of the Legislative Palace.

Organized by NGO Bitcoin Argentina, the event brought together key political advisors and department heads from various political blocs to explore Bitcoin’s potential impact on Argentina’s economy and regulatory landscape. Gabriela Battiato, lawyer and Legal Coordinator of NGO Bitcoin Argentina, led an in-depth discussion on Bitcoin’s philosophy, evolution, and the ongoing global regulatory debates surrounding its adoption.

“This is a key step toward legislative recognition of the crypto ecosystem. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are already part of the economic reality, and it is essential that strategic decision-makers have clear and accurate information,” said Ricardo Mihura, President of NGO Bitcoin Argentina.

The conference was spearheaded by Senator Antonio José Rodas, with the participation of Senator Mariana Juri of Mendoza, and showcased growing bipartisan interest in understanding and integrating Bitcoin within Argentina’s legal framework. Their discussion on Bitcoin focused on the transformative potential of it and its increasing role in global finance.

“This event sets a precedent and reinforces our goal of bringing knowledge about Bitcoin and blockchain to all sectors of society. We will continue promoting these spaces because we believe that only through dialogue and education can we build appropriate regulations and foster the development of the sector,” said Jimena Vallone, Executive Director of NGO Bitcoin Argentina.

For those interested in viewing the full conference, it is available on YouTube below:

This post Argentina’s Senate Hosts First-Ever Conference on Bitcoin Regulation first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

Bitcoin Magazine

President Trump To Address The Digital Assets Summit Tomorrow

President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a speech tomorrow via a recording at Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) in New York City. This will be the first time a sitting U.S. president has addressed a Bitcoin and crypto conference, highlighting the growing influence of digital assets in mainstream financial policy.

Trump has previously engaged with the Bitcoin community, having spoken in person at the world’s largest Bitcoin conference in Nashville last summer while on the campaign trail. His return to the stage now as president further highlights the continued support from the U.S. government on Bitcoin.

Trump’s upcoming address at DAS comes only a couple weeks after moving forward with officially integrating Bitcoin into his national strategy, when he signed an executive order establishing the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, positioning BTC as a key asset for the country’s financial future.

Joining the lineup tomorrow at DAS is Strategy’s Michael Saylor, who will deliver a keynote speech and engage in a fireside chat with Bitcoin historian Pete Rizzo. Additionally, Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart will host a panel discussion with BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets Robbie Mitchnick and Nasdaq’s Head of U.S. Equities & Exchange-Traded Products Giang Bui, where they will delve into the evolving landscape of Bitcoin ETFs and institutional adoption.

The announcement of Trump’s participation follows remarks from Bo Hines, Executive Director on Digital Assets for President Trump, who spoke earlier this week at DAS. Hines reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to accumulating Bitcoin for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, stating:

“I think it’s high time that our President started accumulating assets for the American people, which is what President Trump is doing rather than taking it away.”

He also emphasized the administration’s approach to acquiring Bitcoin in budget-neutral ways, likening BTC accumulation to gold reserves:

“You know, I’ve been asked all the time, it’s like how much do you want? Well, that’s like asking a country how much gold do you want – as much as we can get.”

Trump’s executive order has already sparked legislative action aiming to build on this momentum. Senator Cynthia Lummis and Congressman Nick Begich have each proposed plans for the U.S. to acquire 1 million BTC over the next five years, ensuring a long-term reserve of the scarce asset. Earlier today at DAS, House Majority Whip and Congressman Tom Emmer stated that he believes this legislation will be enacted “before this congress is done.”

This post President Trump To Address The Digital Assets Summit Tomorrow first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.